Why Do People Like the Golden Ratio? (2024)

This article is from the archive of our partner Why Do People Like the Golden Ratio? (1).

There's a whole cottage industry of books, DVDs, and television specials devoted to the mystery of the golden ratio--an irrational number thought to be manifest in such beautiful things as nautilus shells, da Vinci paintings, and rose petal arrangements. Sitting as it does at the intersection of art and science, this lovely proportion has inspired many theories of why it strikes humans as beautiful. Now, as the Guardian reports, a scientist at Duke University thinks he has solved it. The reason we love the golden ratio, he argues, is that it's easy to grasp:

According to Adrian Bejan, professor of mechanical engineering at Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina, the human eye is capable of interpreting an image featuring the golden ratio faster than any other....Whether intentional or not, the ratio represents the best proportions to transfer to the brain. "This is the best flowing configuration for images from plane to brain and it manifests itself frequently in human-made shapes that give the impression they were 'designed' according to the golden ratio," said Bejan.

Is the "beauty" of the golden ratio simply the sensation of quick visual processing?

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.

Benjamin Carlson is a Beijing correspondent for Agence France-Presse. He has written for Rolling Stone, the New Republic, and Esquire.

Why Do People Like the Golden Ratio? (2024)

FAQs

Why do people like the golden ratio? ›

This is a guiding principle to help you understand the limits of human attention so you can create something that is aesthetically pleasing.” If you decide to use the golden ratio as a basis for your art or design, it can help your project look even, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing.

What is the golden ratio answers? ›

Golden Ratio Value Derivation

Hence, the value of golden ratio ϕ is approximately equal 1.618. Interesting Facts: Golden ratio is a special number and is approximately equal to 1.618.

What are the benefits of the golden ratio? ›

The Golden Ratio can help create a composition that will draw the eyes to the important elements of the photo. Using the Golden Ratio, you split the picture into three unequal sections then use the lines and intersections to compose the picture.

How is the golden ratio related to our daily life? ›

The golden ratio, when applied to the life events model, serves as a guide to help you direct your attention to the present rather than the past and future. Too much focus on the past and future results in inactivity in the present.

Why is the golden ratio considered beautiful? ›

The Golden Ratio, a ratio of 1:1.618 is found in the proportions of the Egyptian pyramids, the nautilus shell, beautiful faces and the ideal body. Our eyes are attracted to objects with this ratio and find them visually appealing.

Why is the golden ratio so pleasing to the eye? ›

But why is the golden ratio so pleasing? Scientists believe this proportion is the easiest for the eye to scan for, and process, important details, especially when the longer side is horizontal.

What is the golden ratio of God? ›

This ratio - 1.618 - is an approximation of its true value of [1+√5)/2]. This ratio has served mankind in three ways: it provides beauty, function, and reveals how wise, good, and powerful the Creator is.

Why is the golden mean important? ›

The golden mean helps us avoid extremes such as dishonesty or indifference, allowing us to navigate complex ethical situations with integrity and wisdom. Living a purposeful and meaningful life: By embracing the golden mean, we align ourselves with a life of purpose and meaning.

What is the golden ratio for dummies? ›

You take a line and divide it into two parts – a long part (a) and a short part (b). The entire length (a + b) divided by (a) is equal to (a) divided by (b). And both of those numbers equal 1.618. So, (a + b) divided by (a) equals 1.618, and (a) divided by (b) also equals 1.618.

What is the golden ratio best example? ›

For example, the lily has three petals, buttercups have five of them, the chicory has 21 of them, the daisy has often 34 or 55 petals, etc. Faces, both human and nonhuman, abound with examples of the Golden Ratio.

How much golden ratio is good? ›

Ideally, according to the Golden Ratio, the distance between the eyes should be around 1.618 times that width. Similarly, when you look at the relationship between the mouth's width and the span between the eyes and the mouth, the same proportion – 1.618 to 1 – should ideally emerge.

Why is the golden ratio significant in history? ›

The golden ratio has been famed throughout history for its aesthetic properties and it is claimed that the architecture of Ancient Greece was strongly influenced by its use.

What is the God number in nature? ›

The golden ratio is 1.618, represented by the Greek letter 'phi', is said to be is a mathematical connection between two aspects of an object. It is also called the Fibonacci sequence and it can be found across all of nature: plants, animals, weather structures, star systems – it is ever-present in the universe.

How does ratio help us in life? ›

Ratios are used in everyday life to make comparisons in-between values. The ratio of two values directly provides us with the information on how many times one value is bigger or smaller than the other.

How is the golden ratio relevant today? ›

Today we use the golden ratio widely in graphics, websites and applications to create more esthetic designs. In particular, it is very easy to incorporate when building wireframes.

Why do artists like the golden ratio? ›

Some artists and architects believe that the golden ratio makes the most beautiful shapes. As a result the ratio can be found in many famous buildings and artworks, such as those by Leonardo da Vinci.

What is cool about the golden ratio? ›

Facts And Examples of Golden Ratio
  • You can find the pattern of the golden section in architectural wonders, such as The Great Pyramid of Giza.
  • You can also find the golden section in the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci.
  • You can also find the golden section in the petals of flowers.

What is the golden ratio and why is it important in nature? ›

The “golden ratio” is a 1.618:1 mathematical ratio, and the number 1.618 is known as “phi.” Golden ratios can be found in shells, plants, flowers, and animals, among other places. It is believed to be one of the strongest and oldest connections between math and creative arts.

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