Not for the faint of art. |
Complex Numbers A complex number is expressed in the standard form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is defined by i^2 = -1 (that is, i is the square root of -1). For example, 3 + 2i is a complex number. The bi term is often referred to as an imaginary number (though this may be misleading, as it is no more "imaginary" than the symbolic abstractions we know as the "real" numbers). Thus, every complex number has a real part, a, and an imaginary part, bi. Complex numbers are often represented on a graph known as the "complex plane," where the horizontal axis represents the infinity of real numbers, and the vertical axis represents the infinity of imaginary numbers. Thus, each complex number has a unique representation on the complex plane: some closer to real; others, more imaginary. If a = b, the number is equal parts real and imaginary. Very simple transformations applied to numbers in the complex plane can lead to fractal structures of enormous intricacy and astonishing beauty. |
I don't have a whole lot to add to today's link. It's something that tracks with things I've been saying for a while, though, so here it is. Why it's time to stop pursuing happiness Positive thinking and visualising success can be counterproductive – happily, other strategies for fulfilment are available Essentially, in my view anyway, one doesn't find "happiness" by demanding happiness; it is, rather, the result of doing things that are fulfilling. These things are different for everyone. Over the past 10 years, numerous studies have shown that our obsession with happiness and high personal confidence may be making us less content with our lives, and less effective at reaching our actual goals. Indeed, we may often be happier when we stop focusing on happiness altogether. Ever had trouble finding the right words to express something? Pretty sure we all have. Or remembering the name of that actress from that movie, you know, the one with the... whatever. Then you go think about something else and the answer just eventually bubbles up unbidden. I think of this as kind of like that. Again, though, not much to add for me here. The article does take a dig at Norman Vincent Peale, who I'm pretty sure I've ragged on in here before. And it doesn't come out and say it, but it also negates a lot of new-age type crap like The Secret. So if you're interested in this sort of thing, give it a look. It is, as is often the case here, a sort of ad for a book, but the article has good information anyway. Or not. You know. Whatever makes you happy. |