Nature cares not a whit about the digital, the computer, the online, the faux world of human manufacturing. Nature cares about harmony and beauty. The golden ratio was created by Nature, and so we can learn about proportions, beauty and harmony.
Without the extremes we have created, putting us off balance. "Time to work our way back to balance." (Having some fun here.)
It looks like your time away will be full of harmony and discovery, with a slice of joy. In dedication to Phi. Enjoy your phi time, Veronika.
Thank you Perry for the good wishes 💗🙏 🎶 𓍢ִִ໋🌊🦈˚˖𓍢ִ indeed, "the golden ratio was created by Nature" (that's a good way of putting it). Humans only created the name for it.
And 'Phi time' sounds so much better than 'analog time' (which sounds like we're only partially there)
Veronika, as someone who has a huge resistance to numbers and mathematical ponderings, you challenged me here, but I read on and I love your ponderings! Wishing you a wonderful analogue time out! 💕 Enjoy to the fullest!
Thank you Nicole, numbers are not my forte either (I'm more of a 'word person' as you can tell) but I've always loved and resonated with geometry and patterns in space. And word history is basically that ~ following a pattern through space-time.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the heartfelt wishes 💗🙏
Ah Veronika! Very few can undress mathematics into a naked gift! I love how your writing turns time into a warm kiss. You are the very definition of good online writing! We call it the Bond ratio! Enjoy your holidays! Enjoy your family. Enjoy lots of 1.618! Enjoy the sea! Whisper to her that I will find her soon! Hugs to Josh too. Bless you both! Safe travels. 💝
Short discussion of 'Fibonacci' here two evenings ago... youngest daughter... 'Stories from The Borders'; a discussion opportune for her work about to open a North Northumberland Folk Lore studio; a chance that came up less than two moons ago. Michael Scott apparently born in the Borders became popularly known as a Wizard round here, but had Fibonacci's 2nd book dedicated to him when they were both at the Court of the Holy Roman Emperor then located in Sicily. Our location was known to the Welsh previously as Byreich', however you say that in ancient Brythonic, but will serve across the present Border.
Drink deeply both of you from Atlantic Phi time with the children and grand children! 👍👍😊
PS Great term Perry has come up with.
PPS I am seriously deaf and digital aids make a mess of digitised music, but grandson Ben's guitar and song, live last Christmas, was music again, the kind I can only sometimes hear as a gift in dreams .
Yes, it was translations all across Europe, and original genius.👍😊
PS. And the moon hereabouts steps back the hour each night to the East as you might turn the hand. There is a wonderful 1st Chapter in art historian Nigel McGilchrist's 'When the Dog Speaks the Master Listens', on the documented Phoenician expedition funded by Egypt that navigated round Africa, seeing their sun go North and go widdershins.
It's the first time I have looked up widdershins (I see the German etymology). And I've just asked family round the fire. We seem to have grown up with the word. Apparently it has been a Scottish word, which fits with Ann's mother being Scottish. I probably knew it from my mother; my grand mother was from Durham.
There is a fascinating account of a Border Ballad from our 'Becca... earliest written form 1814... popularised by Robert Jamieson. The ballad is the story of Childe Rowland. Bird Ellen had gone the wrong way round the church and was in Faerie land needing rescue. There is a Wizard of course who might hark back to Merlin, and Arthur & Guinevere might be in there.'Shakespeare had 'Childe Rowland to the Dark Tower came', among other folk tale references in Lear's raving, from which Browning we understand created de novo his entirely different great poem. There is more, but I will desist. The tale gets too long already.
This is a truly captivating read! Goodness Veronika, you bring together so much, mathematics, history, language, and philosophy in a way that's both informative and engaging. I will have to re-read it many times. I don't quite know where to start... The journey through the history of the word 'analogy' was particularly insightful. It's fascinating how a mathematical concept from Plato evolved to describe everything from computer systems to plant-based foods, thank you for updating my thinking on that. And connecting it back to the ancient Mesopotamian epics was a brilliant touch.
I will spend many hours re-reading this as I do with your work. Overall, this is a powerful reminder to cherish those real-life, tangible moments. I strive to do that every day - maybe strive is the wrong word, I do that every day, but thank you for the important reminder to embrace those moments.
Your exploration of time as an analogy, and how it's shaped our inventions and perceptions, was thought-provoking. The connection to the Egyptian sundials and the clockwise/counterclockwise movements was a great example of how our perspectives are shaped by our environment. Are you familiar with The Discoverers by by Daniel J. Boorstin, it is one of my favourite books ever - the first section is about Time (the discovery of time) - I appreciate that section so much.
I will comment more I am sure, so much to think about.
Enjoy your analogue holiday and do not peak online :-)
It's the word 'analogy' itself that took me to all these places, and your article on 'thinking in analogies' started me off on this whole thread... so thank you for that too. It just shows the power of bouncing ideas off each other.
Daniel Boorstin... another author I've never heard of... With all the new (to me) titles you're mentioning and which catch my attention, I'm sure I won't run out of stuff to read while on holidays.... 🙏 🤭 📚
I love the Fibonacci spiral and love to overlay it on my photography and designs to see how close my eye comes to divine proportion, and fine tune as/if needed. I’ve noticed that lots of unpolished AI generated art doesn’t quite get it. So I heartily and happily disagree with the Nagel quite that analogy will ever be a waste of time, because that’s what brings heart and soul to life. I love this post and your lists of analogue environments and can I say Faculties? 🤗💕 Gave a lovely analog vacation.
“
❤️❤️❤️: “algebra, arithmetics, arts, authenticity, autopoiesis, common sense, creativity, crafts, emotional depth, empathy, ethics, fine motor skills, imagination, independence, intuition, inspiration, inventiveness, neural networks, offline skills, responsibility, soul, spirit connections, understanding, virtuousity… not to mention music and dancing and enjoying real food.”
Wonderful article. It reminded me that I learned 'maths' at school in 3 parts - Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry. All of it interesting stuff. Then suddenly in 1966/7 the curriculum for maths changed to "The New Maths", where the idea was to understand what you were doing, rather than to get the right answer. And suddenly, being trained in the art of double-think, we were confronted with multiple-choice questions in exams instead of doing real maths with a compass.
Well obviously quantum physics had not yet reached the Maths Dep't, but it had reached me. I used to stare at the A/B/C/D multiple choice Q&A and sat thinking 'well it depends on which way you look at it' - and then tried to guess what the writer of the exam-question wanted. Strange days they were indeed. Gimme a compass, and an abacus which we also learned, any time.
None of which is a distraction from your how good your article is. 💜
I agree, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry were far more interesting than multiple choice nonsense. We were fortunate to still learn to use our own brains and ancient tools to 'measure the world' xx
Veronika, your reflections are always such a delight, they weave together history, culture, and the poetic wonder of time and analogy so beautifully. Your trip to the Algarve sounds like pure bliss! A chance to dive into serene cerulean waters, reconnect with loved ones, and bask in the calm, restorative embrace of Mother Nature. Wishing you peaceful, joyful moments that refresh and inspire your soul.
What a stunning piece - found myself embarked on a whole Fibonacci spiral of your making! Thank you for taking me on such a polymathic journey - it was awesome, in old and new senses of the word 😊 Have a wonderful break away from the digital mayhem.
If I was to comment on this post of yours I have to pick out specific part, since it covers so many different things that when I was finished reading I felt a bit tumbled. But still, when it comes to your reflection on time: Long time ago, when I was very young I went to, at the time, a famous Buddhist teacher in Igatpuri in India. in I remembered him saying: "You say you want to kill some time - but I can assure you that it is time that is gonna kill you." Stay cool!
I read on and on completely enthralled Veronica, despite my abhorrence of anything mathematical, though patterns, geometric especially are always a draw, not so much to understand the why or how or even the geometry but the nature... like words, everything has a nature, and here you so cleverly outline the science behind it... even at rest you have an enviable ability to captivate! I hope your rest days are exactly that, I hope the sun is warm, your family warmer.. ☀️💛🍃🪴xx
Thank you Susie 💚🙏 🐝 isn't it funny how we are either 'word people' or 'number people' ... often repelled by the other? But yes, geometry is a whole other ballgame. Especially where it flows over into sacred geometry. Thank you for all the good wishes. Sending plenty of sunshine and spring chirpings over to you too ☀️🪶🐌 🪱 💛 🍃 🐞 🦜
Coincidentally I had a long conversation with one of my work colleagues today on this very subject Veronika, we were both of the opinion that neither of us had the ‘number people’ gift which led to the question of dividing classes because left side/right side leanings seem so obvious even from a young age. Obviously it isn’t a good idea to restrict or limit learning but I truly believe in encouraging interests and talents where they shine. Sunny hugs arriving from my hill too.. ☀️💛🍃
Wonderful article, Veronika - thank you for sharing. This is the kind of mindful writing I hope to be able to read more of - written by humans who can still think about what they are thinking. I'd like to see AI attempting to write a piece like this 🤭 Have a beautiful time away.. sure you will come back inspired and refreshed.
Hi Veronika, I started sweating numbers when I opened your post — flashbacks to grade 10 Math which didn’t end so well. 🤣
And as always, you take our hand as you lead us down new paths connecting us to language, and our understanding of how we navigate the brilliant universal design of which we are a cog. No, I didn’t know that the Egyptians established the 24 hr cycle. Your writing always pricks my curiosity. Thank you. 🙏
Analogies and time as a property and a perception, a fascinating phenomenon — perhaps because it is beyond our grasp. Linear — spiralling — non-existent — all at once. I am sweating again. 😅
Have a fabulous break — I am sure you will be back in no time at all. Thank you for all you offer us. 🙏 🌊 💜
Full disclosure: I had to look up 'irrational number' myself. I take my own ignorance as a gauge, and then explain accordingly, so not to worry, it will never get 'too academic or scientific' while we can still have fun with unfamiliar words and levels of knowing 😅
But you're probably familiar with counterclockwise time, no?
Wonderful one, Veronika! As always, your choice of words is so unique. Never would I have thought to deconstruct a concept, a pattern, or a perception in this way. It made me pause, and I truly appreciate how deeply these patterns shape our understanding of the world—so thank you for going analog.
Mathematics, nature, history... I work with the golden ratio daily, and I do miss my analog camera—I use it too rarely. It feels like a living presence from a time that had the right rhythm.
I wish you a wonderful offline time with your family, and please keep returning with these posts that make us all pause, wonder, and expand!
Yes: "Though analogy is often misleading, it is the least misleading thing we have."-Samuel Butler
Nature cares not a whit about the digital, the computer, the online, the faux world of human manufacturing. Nature cares about harmony and beauty. The golden ratio was created by Nature, and so we can learn about proportions, beauty and harmony.
Without the extremes we have created, putting us off balance. "Time to work our way back to balance." (Having some fun here.)
It looks like your time away will be full of harmony and discovery, with a slice of joy. In dedication to Phi. Enjoy your phi time, Veronika.
Thank you Perry for the good wishes 💗🙏 🎶 𓍢ִִ໋🌊🦈˚˖𓍢ִ indeed, "the golden ratio was created by Nature" (that's a good way of putting it). Humans only created the name for it.
And 'Phi time' sounds so much better than 'analog time' (which sounds like we're only partially there)
Spot on Perry!
Veronika, as someone who has a huge resistance to numbers and mathematical ponderings, you challenged me here, but I read on and I love your ponderings! Wishing you a wonderful analogue time out! 💕 Enjoy to the fullest!
Thank you Nicole, numbers are not my forte either (I'm more of a 'word person' as you can tell) but I've always loved and resonated with geometry and patterns in space. And word history is basically that ~ following a pattern through space-time.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the heartfelt wishes 💗🙏
Ah Veronika! Very few can undress mathematics into a naked gift! I love how your writing turns time into a warm kiss. You are the very definition of good online writing! We call it the Bond ratio! Enjoy your holidays! Enjoy your family. Enjoy lots of 1.618! Enjoy the sea! Whisper to her that I will find her soon! Hugs to Josh too. Bless you both! Safe travels. 💝
The Bond ratio! 😅 Thanks Jamie 🙏, I promise to deliver your message ˚˖𓍢ִִ໋🌊🦈˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚.🐚 💕
Indeed! Phi time... 'cerulean'... wonderful.
Wonderful essay.. I echo the comments.
Short discussion of 'Fibonacci' here two evenings ago... youngest daughter... 'Stories from The Borders'; a discussion opportune for her work about to open a North Northumberland Folk Lore studio; a chance that came up less than two moons ago. Michael Scott apparently born in the Borders became popularly known as a Wizard round here, but had Fibonacci's 2nd book dedicated to him when they were both at the Court of the Holy Roman Emperor then located in Sicily. Our location was known to the Welsh previously as Byreich', however you say that in ancient Brythonic, but will serve across the present Border.
Drink deeply both of you from Atlantic Phi time with the children and grand children! 👍👍😊
PS Great term Perry has come up with.
PPS I am seriously deaf and digital aids make a mess of digitised music, but grandson Ben's guitar and song, live last Christmas, was music again, the kind I can only sometimes hear as a gift in dreams .
What intriguing associations and connections between Sicily (or Pisa) and the Borders!
Yes, 'Phi time' is a serious stroke of genius!
Thank you so much for all the good wishes in Golden Ratios 💛 🙏 ☀️ ✨
Yes, it was translations all across Europe, and original genius.👍😊
PS. And the moon hereabouts steps back the hour each night to the East as you might turn the hand. There is a wonderful 1st Chapter in art historian Nigel McGilchrist's 'When the Dog Speaks the Master Listens', on the documented Phoenician expedition funded by Egypt that navigated round Africa, seeing their sun go North and go widdershins.
go widdershins...?! What a great word (German widersinnig = against the senses) Of course it must have appeared 'widdershins'!
It's the first time I have looked up widdershins (I see the German etymology). And I've just asked family round the fire. We seem to have grown up with the word. Apparently it has been a Scottish word, which fits with Ann's mother being Scottish. I probably knew it from my mother; my grand mother was from Durham.
There is a fascinating account of a Border Ballad from our 'Becca... earliest written form 1814... popularised by Robert Jamieson. The ballad is the story of Childe Rowland. Bird Ellen had gone the wrong way round the church and was in Faerie land needing rescue. There is a Wizard of course who might hark back to Merlin, and Arthur & Guinevere might be in there.'Shakespeare had 'Childe Rowland to the Dark Tower came', among other folk tale references in Lear's raving, from which Browning we understand created de novo his entirely different great poem. There is more, but I will desist. The tale gets too long already.
This is a truly captivating read! Goodness Veronika, you bring together so much, mathematics, history, language, and philosophy in a way that's both informative and engaging. I will have to re-read it many times. I don't quite know where to start... The journey through the history of the word 'analogy' was particularly insightful. It's fascinating how a mathematical concept from Plato evolved to describe everything from computer systems to plant-based foods, thank you for updating my thinking on that. And connecting it back to the ancient Mesopotamian epics was a brilliant touch.
I will spend many hours re-reading this as I do with your work. Overall, this is a powerful reminder to cherish those real-life, tangible moments. I strive to do that every day - maybe strive is the wrong word, I do that every day, but thank you for the important reminder to embrace those moments.
Your exploration of time as an analogy, and how it's shaped our inventions and perceptions, was thought-provoking. The connection to the Egyptian sundials and the clockwise/counterclockwise movements was a great example of how our perspectives are shaped by our environment. Are you familiar with The Discoverers by by Daniel J. Boorstin, it is one of my favourite books ever - the first section is about Time (the discovery of time) - I appreciate that section so much.
I will comment more I am sure, so much to think about.
Enjoy your analogue holiday and do not peak online :-)
Thank you so much Colin 💗🙏
It's the word 'analogy' itself that took me to all these places, and your article on 'thinking in analogies' started me off on this whole thread... so thank you for that too. It just shows the power of bouncing ideas off each other.
Daniel Boorstin... another author I've never heard of... With all the new (to me) titles you're mentioning and which catch my attention, I'm sure I won't run out of stuff to read while on holidays.... 🙏 🤭 📚
I love the Fibonacci spiral and love to overlay it on my photography and designs to see how close my eye comes to divine proportion, and fine tune as/if needed. I’ve noticed that lots of unpolished AI generated art doesn’t quite get it. So I heartily and happily disagree with the Nagel quite that analogy will ever be a waste of time, because that’s what brings heart and soul to life. I love this post and your lists of analogue environments and can I say Faculties? 🤗💕 Gave a lovely analog vacation.
“
❤️❤️❤️: “algebra, arithmetics, arts, authenticity, autopoiesis, common sense, creativity, crafts, emotional depth, empathy, ethics, fine motor skills, imagination, independence, intuition, inspiration, inventiveness, neural networks, offline skills, responsibility, soul, spirit connections, understanding, virtuousity… not to mention music and dancing and enjoying real food.”
Thank you so much Shelly 💗🙏
I prefer the imperfection of a wonky hand drawing any time to AI generated so-called 'art'... I don't quite get that...🤔💭
it was definitely fun to take a deep dive into 'analogue' and its ripples...
Wonderful article. It reminded me that I learned 'maths' at school in 3 parts - Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry. All of it interesting stuff. Then suddenly in 1966/7 the curriculum for maths changed to "The New Maths", where the idea was to understand what you were doing, rather than to get the right answer. And suddenly, being trained in the art of double-think, we were confronted with multiple-choice questions in exams instead of doing real maths with a compass.
Well obviously quantum physics had not yet reached the Maths Dep't, but it had reached me. I used to stare at the A/B/C/D multiple choice Q&A and sat thinking 'well it depends on which way you look at it' - and then tried to guess what the writer of the exam-question wanted. Strange days they were indeed. Gimme a compass, and an abacus which we also learned, any time.
None of which is a distraction from your how good your article is. 💜
Thank you 💗🙏 🎶 𓍢ִִ໋🌊🦈˚˖𓍢ִ
I agree, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry were far more interesting than multiple choice nonsense. We were fortunate to still learn to use our own brains and ancient tools to 'measure the world' xx
Veronika, your reflections are always such a delight, they weave together history, culture, and the poetic wonder of time and analogy so beautifully. Your trip to the Algarve sounds like pure bliss! A chance to dive into serene cerulean waters, reconnect with loved ones, and bask in the calm, restorative embrace of Mother Nature. Wishing you peaceful, joyful moments that refresh and inspire your soul.
Thank you so much Deborah 🙏 🤍
your words already make me feel calm and relaxed... deep breath... deepest gratitude 💗🙏
What a stunning piece - found myself embarked on a whole Fibonacci spiral of your making! Thank you for taking me on such a polymathic journey - it was awesome, in old and new senses of the word 😊 Have a wonderful break away from the digital mayhem.
thank you so much Michelle 💗🙏 ☀️
If I was to comment on this post of yours I have to pick out specific part, since it covers so many different things that when I was finished reading I felt a bit tumbled. But still, when it comes to your reflection on time: Long time ago, when I was very young I went to, at the time, a famous Buddhist teacher in Igatpuri in India. in I remembered him saying: "You say you want to kill some time - but I can assure you that it is time that is gonna kill you." Stay cool!
"You say you want to kill some time - but I can assure you that it is time that is gonna kill you." very wise 😅
I read on and on completely enthralled Veronica, despite my abhorrence of anything mathematical, though patterns, geometric especially are always a draw, not so much to understand the why or how or even the geometry but the nature... like words, everything has a nature, and here you so cleverly outline the science behind it... even at rest you have an enviable ability to captivate! I hope your rest days are exactly that, I hope the sun is warm, your family warmer.. ☀️💛🍃🪴xx
Thank you Susie 💚🙏 🐝 isn't it funny how we are either 'word people' or 'number people' ... often repelled by the other? But yes, geometry is a whole other ballgame. Especially where it flows over into sacred geometry. Thank you for all the good wishes. Sending plenty of sunshine and spring chirpings over to you too ☀️🪶🐌 🪱 💛 🍃 🐞 🦜
Coincidentally I had a long conversation with one of my work colleagues today on this very subject Veronika, we were both of the opinion that neither of us had the ‘number people’ gift which led to the question of dividing classes because left side/right side leanings seem so obvious even from a young age. Obviously it isn’t a good idea to restrict or limit learning but I truly believe in encouraging interests and talents where they shine. Sunny hugs arriving from my hill too.. ☀️💛🍃
Wonderful article, Veronika - thank you for sharing. This is the kind of mindful writing I hope to be able to read more of - written by humans who can still think about what they are thinking. I'd like to see AI attempting to write a piece like this 🤭 Have a beautiful time away.. sure you will come back inspired and refreshed.
Thank you Dorette 🙏 ✨
AI may well attempt... but I doubt it will ever understand life ✨😉
Hi Veronika, I started sweating numbers when I opened your post — flashbacks to grade 10 Math which didn’t end so well. 🤣
And as always, you take our hand as you lead us down new paths connecting us to language, and our understanding of how we navigate the brilliant universal design of which we are a cog. No, I didn’t know that the Egyptians established the 24 hr cycle. Your writing always pricks my curiosity. Thank you. 🙏
Analogies and time as a property and a perception, a fascinating phenomenon — perhaps because it is beyond our grasp. Linear — spiralling — non-existent — all at once. I am sweating again. 😅
Have a fabulous break — I am sure you will be back in no time at all. Thank you for all you offer us. 🙏 🌊 💜
Full disclosure: I had to look up 'irrational number' myself. I take my own ignorance as a gauge, and then explain accordingly, so not to worry, it will never get 'too academic or scientific' while we can still have fun with unfamiliar words and levels of knowing 😅
But you're probably familiar with counterclockwise time, no?
Thank you for the good wishes 💛 🙏 💫
Familiar with a term and understanding it is quite separate for my small brain 🤯🤯🤪🤣🧠💛
or while your heart and mind are on fire with greater things...? ❤️🔥
Yes, you’re very kind, l will take that 🤣🙏🏼😊🔥❤️
May you have a luscious and regenerative time away! Spiral way, way in and way, way out.
Thank you Joe! luscious and regenerative 🩵 🙏 I already feel myself spiralling way in 🐚 and way out 💫
Irrational phi,
proportion, spiral, time gifts.
Analogies feast!
who knew that 'analogue' can inspire so much creativity?
on second thought, analogy itself is often drawn from pure inspiration!
Thank you ϕhi times for sharing Marisol 💗🙏 🎶
who knew that 'analogue' can inspire so much creativity?
on second thought, analogy itself is often drawn from pure inspiration!
Thank you Marisol 💗🙏 🎶
Wonderful one, Veronika! As always, your choice of words is so unique. Never would I have thought to deconstruct a concept, a pattern, or a perception in this way. It made me pause, and I truly appreciate how deeply these patterns shape our understanding of the world—so thank you for going analog.
Mathematics, nature, history... I work with the golden ratio daily, and I do miss my analog camera—I use it too rarely. It feels like a living presence from a time that had the right rhythm.
I wish you a wonderful offline time with your family, and please keep returning with these posts that make us all pause, wonder, and expand!
Yes: "Though analogy is often misleading, it is the least misleading thing we have."-Samuel Butler
Warm hugs! ✨