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Mathematical Lego Sculptures
Daedalus_ writes "Some guy has created mathematical surfaces (mobius strips, klein bottles, etc) out of Legos. He also has some other interesting creations (such as Dilbert figurines and a Hoberman Sphere)."
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That is totally amazing. And for what it's worth, I think it's a worthwhile use of his time (not that my opinion on how someone uses their time matters, but whatever). I don't know, to me for some reason non-trivial acts of creation like this seem to touch whatever it is to be human -- our creative endowment is one of our signature traits, I think. What impulse would drive this sort of creative urge, to create beautiful mathematical shapes out of Lego, of all things? Whatever it is, it's mysterious, and it wasn't a waste of time. That figure eight knot is incredible.
I'm a firm believer in Legos * and am thoroughly convinced that they helped strongly in developing my inquisitive intellect. I still have my Legos from when I was 10.
... well, here's hoping that the world's first Lego Julia or Mandelbrot set will be made within our lifetimes. Lipson's surface models are just beautiful, so just imagine the beauty of a more sophisticated set.
... that's the strength and appeal of Legos. However, I admit that the addition of gears makes the entire matter more challenging, perhaps for the 14+ age group.
Look at 'em: they teach you to design, build, modify, and to have the patience for all of that. Legos are the best thing for the price that I can think of that can spur a young intellect. (Erector Sets were great for that too.) And if you get older and still play with them
BTW, I am down on all this Lego model crap I see in the stores. Give kids a bucket of basic blocks and let them create
* Legos {tm} is the registered trademark of some silly corporation or something like that.
[also misbehaves on Kuro5hin as Peahippo]
No, the plural of LEGO as in the Toys is neither 'LEGO' nor 'LEGOS' - it is LEGO Bricks.
-mz