Slashdot Mirror
Tattoos For the Math and Science Geek?
An anonymous reader writes "I've been thinking of getting a sleeve of math and science tattoos for quite a while now. With the money saved up, the only question remaining is, what equations/ideas should I get? I know for certain that I'm going to include some of Maxwell's equations, and definitely Ohm's Law. So, if you were going to put a tribute to the great math and science minds on your body forever, which ones would you choose?"
With explanations too:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/category/science-tattoo-emporium/
Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
Um, if you're gonna get it tattoo'd, you probably want to go with the more traditional form of: e^(i*pi) + 1 = 0. This single equation shows a relationship between 5 important mathematical constants, as opposed to the other form, which just shows 3 (I don't think -1 qualifies, as i is the more fundamental).
Or, you could go with the more general form: e^(i*theta) = cos(theta) + i*sin(theta).
I might also go with the Euler product form of the Riemann zeta function, arguably the greatest unsolved problem in all of mathematics: sigma(n=1, infinity, n^-s) = pi(p prime, inv(1 - p^-s)).
I wouldn't worry about putting stuff on your arm that might get proven wrong—it doesn't mean F=m*a isn't a significant step in the evolution of human thought just because Einstein improved upon it. Speaking of Einstein, how about the Minkowski invariance relation (I think that's what it's called?): s^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 + (i*c*t)^2.
Another significant idea worth memorializing is Godel's Incompleteness Theorem...you'd have to find a form using logic notation.
Finally, you might think about getting N E R D C O R E across your knuckles...
but have you considered the following argument: shut up.
This is the most poignant question you've seen in a long time? Seriously?
Ok, look. Here's some wiki for you.
2,332,760 / 4,314,880 * 100% = 54%
54% of the arable land in North America is not utilized. If you want to live on a farm go do it. Uncle Sam will even help. But if you're totally punk rock and don't want to "be part of the machine", then go be Amish. They manage it pretty well.
The reason why nobody actually does this is because that way of life is stupefyingly difficult. Up before dawn to a full day of hard labor every single day.
Go spend a week on a real farm. Just a single week. I'm sure they'd be glad for the help. I'll bet you don't last two days. I doubt I would.
Weaselmancer
rediculous.