What is the purpose of the eipiphiny logo?
The eipiphiny logo has been designed to artistically capture the emotional spirit of the MEHME underlying Euler’s famous equation/relationship, as expressed by Professor Casti, and much more. In many ways it is an exceptional good luck charm made up of outstanding very lucky numbers. Mankind has been extremely fortunate to have discovered the very lucky numbers, pi (3.14159...), e (2.71828…), phi (1.618033…), 1, 0, and i (the square root of -1). Further it is amazing that mankind discovered that these numbers, that are so important to our existence and progress, are all related. At some time in history the above lucky numbers elicited MEHMEs and eipiphinies in those playing the game of science, as any study of their history reveals. Unfortunately for many today they are taken for granted and the MEHMEs and eipiphinies are lost. Our educational system does not leave room for introducing the discovery of these numbers historically, so today’s students could at least vicariously experience that which the discoverers experienced as a foundation to enjoying the joy of mathematics and stochastics. We hope to rectify this unfortunate educational deficiency that cripples far too many students today.
Luck played a further role in the design of the eipiphiny logo. By consensus over the centuries it was agreed that certain letters would represent these numbers, otherwise it would be very difficult and very inconvenient to discuss and use these numbers. Luckily the letters chosen lend themselves to being combined in one design. With artistic license the eipiphiny logo contains e, i, Π, Φ, 0, and 1 as well as the circle that has played an equally cogent role in our history. The letters “e” and “i” can stand for emotional intelligence, which is central to what we want to encourage. Further “i” and “e” can relate to other words that are so important in learning this subject matter. Some examples are, intuition, involvement, ingenuity, enthusiasm, euphoria, eureka, esthetic, and so on. The eipiphiny logo inverted is also a G enclosing an exclamation mark therein. The exclamation mark is an efficient and appropriate symbol to represent the eureka and ah hah experience involved in MEHMEs and eipiphinies. G can represent the first initial of many who in history have experienced MEHMEs and eipiphinies and have contributed so much to others experiencing them, for example Gauss, Gödel, Galton, and Galileo etc. For those so inclined G can represent God. Throughout history one will find constant reference to the question, “Is God a Mathematician?” It is perhaps easy to understand that the amazing and unbelievable effectiveness of these numbers in our lives can elicit such a question.
The members of the eipiphiny Society proudly wear the eipiphiny logo as a demonstration of their dedication and allegiance to the goals and purpose of our society. Whenever asked the significance of the insignia members will put forth best effort to find ways to share and explain. By so doing new ways will be discovered to help future generations to experience eipiphinies and MEHMEs.
For those of us who have benefited and been fortunate enough to have experienced MEHMEs and eipiphinies the eipiphiny pin serves as our personal good luck charm and a constant reminder of our good fortune and our desire to bestow this luck on as many future generations as possible.
Burke explains the meanings of eipiphiny.
The eipiphiny is meant to be an artistic rendition and a tribute to Euler with a number of concepts added:
• "Φ2 - Φ = 1", therefore "Φ2 - phi" can be substituted for one in Euler's equation. This permits "Φ", which has great importance to man to be included in the work of art.
• "e" and i also stand for emotionalintelligence, which must be in the forefront of all educational matters.
• "i" also appears in the negative as a further tribute to the square root of -1.
• The "G" inherent in the eipiphiny honors mathematicians and scientists who have made major contributions, such as Galton, Gauss, Godel. For those who are taken with the concept that God is a mathematician it can stand for God.
• The "!" mark brings to forefront the eureka experience of having an eipiphiny.
• The word eipiphiny represents a mathematical epiphany.
• "e" can stand for other things as well: Euler, euphoria, esthetics.
• Similarly "i" can stand for imagination, intuition, innovation.
I would like to see the eipiphiny as a work of art represent many relevant concepts, lucky numbers, and miracles. To me e, i, Π, Φ, 0 and 1 are miracles. Where would we be today without them? I think we all are guilty of taking too much for granted and do not recognize, prize and value the miracles and gifts we have been given. I know that I'm guilty and have to keep on reminding myself. The eipiphiny is extremely valuable in this regard. It is made up of very lucky numbers, and the combination is greater than the whole so it is a good luck symbol that exceeds the value of the good luck symbols that constitute it.
- Burke Brown