THE JOY OF SYMMETRY

Abstract

This chapter discusses the different aspects of symmetry. Left and right symmetry is the most common of all symmetries, and in everyday language, it is often considered a synonym for symmetry. The conservation of left and right has for a long time been considered to be of fundamental importance in physics. A lot of symmetry in architecture and municipal planning is found. From the classical definition of symmetry correspondence in size, shape, and position of parts that are on opposite sides of a dividing line or center, one have come a long, long way. It is up to one's tolerance how far one wish to go, and it is one's ability to geometrize, to smooth over rough edges, to make complete a picture that has missing parts, or in other words, to discover the inherent, underlying symmetries even where there is none according to more rigorous criteria. This ability is an important tool in scientific research, facilitating the observation of trends, general phenomena, common characteristics, relationships, and creating classifications. It is then not less important to see the differences, to feel the rough edges, to be able to distinguish.