The stem of a true mint is square. I learned this last year. Not sure who told me. Turns out it's true. Peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, all square at the stem. Right angles. Even sides. Rigid geometry in fragrant form. It freaks me out to tell you the truth.
It's like the Fibonaci scale. The pattern of arithmetic progression that flower petals and plant leaves follow. Mathematics in bloom. I suppose I think nature should be allowed its beauty without the burden of physics. A yellow rose and its leaves should be more than a result of molecules aligned in sequence. A rainbow should startle wonder that transcends the theory that light against a prism breaks out into a spectrum of its inherent colors, especially when the light is shining through a sudden spring squall. The bees should swarm the lavender with a busy hum not because of chemical compounds and secretions that convert into sugar molecules. The bees should swarm the lavender because the sound means Spring is almost over; because the glory of lavender is made more glorious by their presence.
I spent yesterday with an advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning. He recited statistics about workforce development and shared the shocking fact that California ranks 50th in digital learning. Then, he shared a revelation. STEM learning offers the only chance we have to bury No Child Left Behind and the drama of the over-tested child. STEM learning will bring creativity and critical thinking back to school.
The square-stemmed mint giggles in delight. The leaves of thyme count off, Fibonaci style, as each leaf shouts hurray. As the bees return to their hive and construct the perfect hexagon maze of their honey comb, they buzz in agreement. We, the dumb humans, may start to get it. The beauty of nature is not there in spite of, or because of, the math and science. The math and science is the beauty. Electrons and neutrons doing a digital dance for no reason other than the beauty of it all. Atoms combining into harmonious notes of molecules. Molecules aligning into songs and symphonies of compounds. Cells counting to three, then five, then eight, before becoming rose petals. No reason to feel uncomfortable just because it's math. It's all beautiful. That's one thing you can count on.
Yes you are absolutely right,math is not hard it is very beautiful.When we try to practice it first time,it seems very difficult.But when we practice it again and again.Then it seem very easy.
ReplyDeleteThis is the only subject which we can practice with music and we will not loose our concentration.