Gonzales, Mark James D.

1 B.S.I.T-1
Reflection Paper 5: Donald Duck - Golden Mean
The pentagram is a five-pointed star it holds mathematical properties that were discovered by
Pythagoras, a renowned ancient Greek mathematician. Within this symbol, several intriguing
mathematical relationships showcase the influence of the golden section, a proportion that has
captivated thinkers for centuries.
One of the notable features of the pentagram is the relationship between its line lengths. The
sum of the two shorter lines equals the length of the longer one, illustrating the concept of the
golden section. This ratio, often denoted by the Greek letter phi (Φ), has aesthetic appeal and is
linked to ideas of beauty and harmony.
The golden rectangle, celebrated by the Greeks for its pleasing proportions, is intricately
connected to the pentagram. This rectangle can be precisely inscribed within the pentagram,
and it possesses the unique quality of being able to reproduce itself indefinitely while
maintaining the same proportions. The shape's magical qualities have influenced Greek
architecture, including iconic structures such as the Parthenon, and have left an indelible mark
on Western architectural aesthetics.
The golden rectangle's dominance extends to various realms, including the architecture of
notable structures like the Notre Dame cathedral and the compositions of Renaissance
paintings. Modern painters, recognizing the allure of these proportions, have rediscovered and
incorporated them into their artistic creations.
Beyond the realm of human creation, the golden rectangle is found in various forms in nature,
such as in the shapes of petunias, star jasmine, starfish, and wax flowers. Nature's patterns
often follow the mathematical forms of the golden section, demonstrating the intrinsic
connection between mathematical proportions and the beauty observed in the natural world.
The golden section also manifests in nature's spirals, emphasizing a pattern that repeats itself
indefinitely. Pythagoras, known for his contributions to mathematics, believed that the order of
the universe is structured according to numerical principles and mathematical shapes. This
concept extends beyond geometry and into diverse areas of life, including music and art,
illustrating the pervasive influence of mathematical rules.
I think that the pentagram and the golden section reveal a connection between geometry and
aesthetics, influencing not only human creations but also the patterns found in the natural
world. Pythagoras' belief in the pervasive role of mathematics echoes through various aspects
of life, highlighting the universal applicability of mathematical principles.