In 1611 Galileo wrote:
"Philosophy is written in this grand book—I mean this universe—which stands continually open to our gaze, but it cannot be understood unless one first learns to comprehend the language and interpret the characters in which it is written. It is written in the language of mathematics, and it's characters are triangles, circles, and other geometrical figures, without which it is humanly impossible to understand a single word of it; without there, one is wandering about a dark labyrinth."
Our lives take a shape. Every birthday we get a new number to play with, and this new number has a shape, a geometry. The thing I always like to ponder on my birthday is how I will play with this shape. What are the lessons and opportunities that come with this new geometry and year of life? And how can I use this shape to better fulfill my role in "this grand book"?
Shakespeare said, "In nature's infinite book of secrecy, a little I can read."
I'll go one step further than the Baird, and assert that we don't only get to read from this book, but we get to write in it. We can fill the pages with the most amazing, beautiful, funny or tragic tales. We just need to know our place in this universe and understand what page the Big Mathematical Author in The Sky wants us to write on. From there we create the prose and poetry of everyday life—making beds, feeding kids, falling in love, etc.
Today, this geometry of life is what I am thinking about for my 35th year. I do this every birthday, and it's quite a fun actually. I realize it's not a usual way to spend a birthday—it might even sound a little whacked—but it is a glimpse behind my curtain so I thought I would blog about it.
While I am on the topic of numbers. Might I recommend THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CONSTRUCTING THE UNIVERSE. It's a really fun read, and will make a number-lover out of even the most math-averse liberal arts major.
Will, I forgot to tell you happy birthday yesterday. I am sorry. I knew your birthday was coming up and thought I had all kind of time. Devoting myself to these young-uns of late has resulted in many time warps for me as far as the adult world goes. And irresponsibility. Sorry. And happy birthday! You were SO born on the 13th.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 14, 2005 at 07:54 PM
Happy belated B-day will. My sons first birthday was the 13th as well.
Congrats on how things are adding up for you.
See you next time you come in for a green tea frappacino.
Posted by: scotty | August 14, 2005 at 10:42 PM