The mathematicians' paradise: The geniuses who created The Simpsons

Orion-Radio-数学者たちの楽園 Book reviews and reading
Orion-Radio - A Paradise for Mathematicians

-Laugh? Or worry?-

point

Nerd and geek are now considered compliments.

Mathematics is similar to writing a screenplay.

Fuch' me (If you don't understand, just leave it alone)

Simon Singh. 964-. Producer, journalist, science writer, Order of the British Empire, MBE.

This is an introduction to a serious analytical book about "The Simpsons," the longest-running animated series in American history. The Simpsons, which began airing in 1989, has won numerous awards during its long run and is broadcast in over 70 countries worldwide.

I've loved this anime ever since I first saw the dubbed version on cable TV when I was little. I found those indescribably sarcastic and outlandish episodes hilarious, and even though I later discovered shows like "Family Guy" and "South Park," I still felt that The Simpsons was head and shoulders above the rest.

As a Simpsons fan myself, I was filled with regret after finishing this book. I realized I hadn't understood The Simpsons at all. Apparently, the writers of The Simpsons are all Harvard graduates with PhDs. Many of them majored in mathematics, and they subtly weave famous mathematical formulas and mathematical trivia into the show. Moreover, they don't seem to expect the average person to understand it; their stance is, "It's fine if those who understand, understand!" It's like a modern version of the pastimes of the aristocracy. In fact, math enthusiasts don't miss the mathematical formulas that appear even for a moment and send them their feedback.

In the past, aristocrats commissioned artists to paint religious images and self-portraits, subtly incorporating meaningful motifs into them. They strengthened their social ties by recognizing those who understood the meaning of these motifs as part of their inner circle. This falls under the field of iconology.

This book meticulously reveals the secrets behind the hidden mathematical formulas. Beyond the formulas, it also offers lighthearted and humorous explanations, such as why the characters in The Simpsons have four fingers. This is due to Disney's significant influence on animation production. In the early days of animation, Disney reduced the number of fingers to improve efficiency because drawing five fingers was a burden for animators, and this tradition has been carried on in The Simpsons.

The Simpsons is amazing because it's enjoyed by both general viewers with no mathematical background and experts who love mathematics. The show shines even brighter when you understand the stories behind the paintings, art, and animation, the creators' true intentions, and the social context. In Japan, Kyoko Nakano, famous for her scary books, provided commentary on famous paintings, and her exhibition was a huge success. This book is recommended for those who enjoy unraveling such mysteries, those who love mathematics, and of course, Simpsons fans.

Author: Simon Singh Translator: Kaoru Aoki Publisher: Shinchosha Paperback: 421 pages

First reading completed on 2020/01/05

Thank you for reading. Goodbye for now. Take care :)

comment

Copied title and URL