The Beauty of Balance

Explore the fascinating world of symmetry in this thought-provoking World Science Festival panel discussion. Delve into the pervasiveness of symmetry in nature, art, and science as experts from diverse fields examine its significance. Discover why humans are drawn to symmetrical patterns and how they provide order in a seemingly chaotic universe. Investigate the role of symmetry in evolution, brain function, and our appreciation of the natural world. Learn about the tension between symmetry and asymmetry in design and nature, and ponder the future implications of symmetry in various disciplines. Gain insights into complex concepts such as 5D geometry and the notion of scale. This interdisciplinary conversation offers a unique perspective on the beauty of balance and its impact on our understanding of the world around us.

Robbert Dijkgraafs introduction
Participant Introductions
Symmetry is all around us from a mathematical perspective.
What is the role of symmetry in design?
Symmetry is a fact.
Will we see less and less symmetry in nature?
It is easy to imagine an infinite line
The dreaded "H" word... Harmony.
The tension of asymmetry
What is symmetry's role in the future?
What is 5D?
The Powers of Ten and the notion of scale.