The blog post explores the interconnectedness of various measurement systems and mathematical concepts, examining potential historical links that are likely coincidental. The author notes the near equivalence of a meter to a royal cubit times the golden ratio, and how this relates to the dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza. While acknowledging the established historical definition of the meter based on Earth's circumference, the post speculates on whether ancient Egyptians might have possessed a sophisticated understanding of these relationships, potentially incorporating the golden ratio and Earth's dimensions into their construction. However, the author ultimately concludes that the observed connections are likely due to mathematical happenstance rather than deliberate design.
This blog post delves into a fascinating, albeit speculative, exploration of the potential interconnectedness between various metrological systems, specifically the meter, the Egyptian royal cubit, and the mathematical concept of the Golden Ratio, often denoted by the Greek letter phi (Φ). The author embarks on a journey to examine the historical development of the meter, tracing its origins back to the French Revolution and its initial definition as one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the Equator along a meridian passing through Paris. This geodetic definition, the author posits, might hold a hidden connection to ancient Egyptian metrology.
The post introduces the Egyptian royal cubit, an ancient unit of length approximately equal to 0.5236 meters, and highlights its purported relationship with the dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The author suggests a possible link between the pyramid's perimeter at its base and the circumference of the Earth, scaled by a factor related to the number of days in a year. This connection, the author argues, could imply that the ancient Egyptians possessed a sophisticated understanding of geodesy and metrology, potentially surpassing even that of the 18th-century French scientists who defined the meter.
Further fueling this intriguing narrative, the author brings the Golden Ratio into the equation. Phi, an irrational number approximately equal to 1.618, is known for its aesthetic properties and its appearance in various natural phenomena. The author explores the potential relationship between the meter, the royal cubit, and phi, suggesting that the meter might have inadvertently inherited a connection to the Golden Ratio through its geodetic definition and the presumed geodetic knowledge embedded within the Great Pyramid's dimensions. This implication, though lacking definitive proof, raises the possibility that the seemingly arbitrary length of the meter might possess a deeper, more ancient significance, resonating with the mathematical harmonies observed in nature and possibly echoing the advanced metrological understanding of ancient civilizations.
While acknowledging the speculative nature of these connections, the author invites readers to consider the possibility of a hidden thread linking seemingly disparate elements across millennia, suggesting that the meter, far from being a purely arbitrary unit of measurement, might be subtly intertwined with ancient wisdom and the fundamental mathematical principles governing the universe. The post concludes with an open-ended invitation to further explore these intriguing connections, encouraging readers to ponder the potential historical and mathematical implications of these interwoven concepts.
Summary of Comments ( 13 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43207962
HN commenters largely dismiss the linked article as numerology and pseudoscience. Several point out the arbitrary nature of choosing specific measurements and units (meters, cubits) to force connections. One commenter notes that the golden ratio shows up frequently in geometric constructions, making its presence in the pyramids unsurprising and not necessarily indicative of intentional design. Others criticize the article's lack of rigor and its reliance on coincidences rather than evidence-based arguments. The general consensus is that the article presents a flawed and unconvincing argument for a relationship between these different elements.
The Hacker News post titled "The Meter, Golden Ratio, Pyramids, and Cubits, Oh My" has generated a moderate number of comments, most of which express skepticism and amusement at the original article's attempt to connect the meter to the Great Pyramid of Giza via the golden ratio and cubits.
Several commenters point out the historical inaccuracy of the claims. One commenter highlights that the meter's definition has changed over time, initially being related to the Earth's circumference and only later linked to a physical artifact. This debunks the idea of a pre-planned connection to ancient Egyptian measurements. Another commenter mentions the imprecision inherent in measuring the pyramid itself, making any exact correspondence with the meter highly improbable. The variability in historical cubit lengths is also raised, further undermining the argument for a precise relationship.
Another line of discussion centers on the perceived "pyramid inch" and its alleged relationship to British Imperial units. Commenters dismiss this connection as coincidental and highlight the convoluted logic required to arrive at such a conclusion. The tendency to find patterns where none exist is also discussed, referencing the phenomenon of pareidolia.
Some commenters approach the topic with humor, joking about the prevalence of such theories and the fascination with hidden connections. One commenter sarcastically suggests a connection between the size of their foot and the circumference of Jupiter. Another uses the opportunity to plug a book debunking similar historical myths.
A few commenters attempt to engage with the mathematical aspects, discussing the golden ratio and its properties. However, these discussions generally reinforce the skepticism towards the original article's claims, emphasizing the lack of evidence for any meaningful connection.
In summary, the comments on Hacker News largely reject the premise of the linked article. They point out historical inaccuracies, methodological flaws, and the general implausibility of the proposed connections. The overall tone is one of skepticism, occasionally tinged with humor and amusement at the article's attempts to find profound meaning in numerical coincidences.