Who knew that our universe is such a spectacularly ordered place? Michael Schneider takes us on a fantastic voyage through the primary numbers one through ten, and shows us how numbers and geometry have helped shape our world and the cosmos. Why is a manhole cover round? Because a circle, whose diameter is everywhere equal, is the only shape that wont fall into its own hole. Three symbolizes harmony -- life has a beginning, a middle and an end. Life forms are often characterized by pentagons (cut an apple in half crosswise and look at the seeds), while six is the number of structure-function-order, as seen in the hexagonal symmetry of crystals and snowflakes. This book is by no means for math majors only; even math dummies like this reviewer will find themselves totally caught up. Art and design students especially will appreciate the almost infinite variety of possible designs suggested within each primary number and the basic shapes (circle, square and triangle). Schneider also shows how, with a compass, pencil and straightedge, one can construct ones own symbolic universe. I came away from this book not only enlightened on the subject of symbolic math, but blown away by the relationship between geometry and religion. Because reading this book makes one realize that the universe is not random, as we see it within our limited scope, but has a definite function and order, and perhaps only the God who created it according to His plan can see it whole.
Although Schneider clearly has a strong grasp of "mathematics" (using his definition--meaning not just number theory), he seems to want to paint us a fantastic picture where none exists. I was excited when I first opened this book, expecting to read about all the fascinating parallels between numbers and natural processes that occur in our universe. Instead, I was disappointed to find mostly bombast, mixed with a few gems of fascinating and useful information. I had to read quickly through lengthy sections talking about "cosmic" energies and how we (humans) are a miniature of the cosmos or how great philosophers of the past had deep knowledge of numbers that has since been forgotten--knowledge that we all still have if he can just "remind" us. Each chapter spends a little time talking about its designated shape (chapter 3 is the triangle, chapter 5 is the pentagon, etc) and how to construct the shape using only a compass and unlined straight-edge. These parts are wonderful, fascinating, and useful. Then he goes on to show how the numer or shape can be found in mythology, art, and life. A lot of it seems like a big stretch--maybe if you squint your eyes and tilt your head you MIGHT see how the painting is based on a triangle, or how the grasshoppers dimensions are somewhat like the golden ratio (1.618). To convince us, the author throws in a handful of quotes on nearly every page, from scientists, philosophers, mathematicians, and even the Bible. I think given enough quotes and enough paintings, even I could make a case that the paintings are based on any shape I come up with. It doesnt mean anything though. If you enjoy metaphysical discussions about mother earth goddess energy, this book may appeal to you. If you dont mind skipping over 3/4 of the book to extract the truly interesting information, this book may appeal to you. Otherwise, Amazon has some good books on geometry, several good books on the Golden Ratio (phi is truly astonishing), and you can find Euclids geometric constructions at a number of websites. Remove all the blather and reduce this book from 350 pages to about 100 pages, and Id give it 4 stars. Otherwise, I leave my rating at 2 stars.
I cant say enough about this fascinating book by this genius of an author. It is absolutely incredible, and the guy who wrote it is up there with Stephen Hawking as far as Im concerned. To be able to make such astute observations about the mathematical and geometric patterns in the reality we live in and be able to document them in such a concise manner, all the while still managing to make the book a thoroughly enjoyable read is nothing short of ingenious. Id give this book ten stars if I could. Twenty stars. It is fascinating to read, even if all you do is look at the pictures, and the second you get it in your hands I really think youll agree.....but you aint getting your hands on my copy :-)
