The golden ratio or the divine proportion/ phi, is a contemporary challenge posed to us by a renaissance genius. While some are still sceptical about its existence, others clearly see the world through the lens of the famous golden ratio. Lauded as one of Da Vinci’s most intricate illustrations, the divine proportion is prominent in all his works.
If you think that the mathematical and artistic proportions have lost essence over the stretch of time, it isn’t just prevalent in art, and architecture but the nature that shapes the very us!
1. Gothic and Modern Architecture
Divine proportion phi makes for the mammoth buildings and stunning architecture we see today. It is the most widely used mathematical proportion in architecture, better known as φ. Its use dates back to the Great Pyramid of Giza, built around 2560 BC, as one of the earliest examples of the use of the golden ratio. The impressions of it can now be seen in both gothic and modern architecture as well.
2. In the Very Core of Nature
The striking resemblances to how divine proportion carves out its application in some of the very small as well as big things in our world, is uncanny. From flower seeds to ginormous galaxies, the grand design is subtly crafted to fit the golden ratio of Da Vinci.
3. The Human Anatomy
The human body is based on patterns of 5, which is the basis of phi as well
5 appendages to the torso, in the arms, legs and head
5 appendages on each of these, in fingers and toes
5 openings on the face
5 sense organs for sight, sound, touch, taste and smell
The golden ratio in turn is also based on 5 as the number phi, or 1.6180339 is computed using 5 such as
5^.5*.5+.5 = Phi
The human figure too, represents and exhibits perfect proportionality in terms of the golden ratio. Such as the height of a person divided by the distance between their belly button and the ground. The Vitruvian man is a classic example of an ideal human figure as per golden ratio.
4. Music
Fabionni sequence is the series of numbers that have extraordinary mathematical properties. But while we look for ways we can see it, its influence is also in the sound fields we hear. The notes, chords, phrases, harmony and dynamics are all mere coincidence or natural order of the universe? – People believe that certain sounds that are “meant” to work together, actually work due to the perfect golden ratio.
5. Spirituality
The “Divine” proportion is quite fitting when talking about spirituality as it provides a deeper understanding of the world around us. It brings out the connectedness and hidden harmony in whatever we see. The world of mathematics (practical) is highly differentiated from the spiritual (transcendental) world, but the golden ratio seems bring them both together.
The Kaaba, one of the holiest places of worship, is said to be formed through the golden ratio. We also see a classic example of geometry channeling divine energies in the form of mandalas too.
Also strangely enough, the symbol for Phi can be thought to represent a zero, divided by 1 or Unity to create structures and things juxtaposing God’s creation the universe from nothing. There is a hidden connection to golden ratio and the anatomy of the world. Do you see more similarities too? Tell us if you view the world as a composition of the ratio?
