Jacques was so impressed with the beauty of the curve known as a logarithmic spiral {Figure 37; the name was derived from the way in which the radius grows as we move around the curve clockwise} that he asked that this shape, and the motto he assigned to it: "Eadem mutato resurgo" {although changed, I rise again the same}, be engraved on his tombstone.
The motto describes a fundamental property unique to the logarithmic spiral-it does not alter its shape as its size increases. This feature is known as self-similarity. Fascinated by this property, Jacques wrote that the logarithmic spiral "may be used as a symbol, either of fortitude and constancy in adversity, or of the human body, which after all its changes, even after death, will be restored to its exact and perfect self.
The motto describes a fundamental property unique to the logarithmic spiral-it does not alter its shape as its size increases. This feature is known as self-similarity. Fascinated by this property, Jacques wrote that the logarithmic spiral "may be used as a symbol, either of fortitude and constancy in adversity, or of the human body, which after all its changes, even after death, will be restored to its exact and perfect self.
( Mario Livio )
[ The Golden Ratio: The Story of ]
www.QuoteSweet.com