The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number

By Mario Livio

Categories: Science & Math

Astrophysicist Mario Livio explores phi, the number 1.6180339887..., known as the golden ratio. Euclid described it over two millennia ago because of its role in constructing the pentagram, a figure once credited with magical properties. Livio follows its appearances in mollusk shells, sunflower florets and the shapes of galaxies, and weighs claims that it was used in the Pyramids, the Parthenon and paintings from the Mona Lisa to Dalí's Sacrament of the Last Supper.

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• Donald Trump: “The Golden Ratio by Mario Livio. “The story of phi, the world's most astonishing number.” This is fascinating whether or not you are a math whiz.”