TEDTalks: Numbers Speak Louder than Words Season 1 Episode 7

Ep 7. Benoit Mandelbrot: Fractals and the Art of Roughness

Benoit Mandelbrot: Fractals and the Art of Roughness is the seventh episode of the first season of TEDTalks: Numbers Speak Louder than Words. In this episode, acclaimed mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot discusses his groundbreaking work on fractal geometry and how it can be applied to a wide range of fields, from biology to finance.

Mandelbrot begins by explaining what a fractal is: a shape that is self-similar on different scales. He gives examples of natural fractals, such as coastlines and trees, and shows how their complexity can be described by simple mathematical formulas. Mandelbrot then goes on to show how fractals can be used to model a variety of phenomena, such as the weather and the stock market.

But Mandelbrot's work is more than just a mathematical curiosity. He argues that fractals can help us understand the natural world in a deeper way, revealing patterns and structures that are invisible to the naked eye. Mandelbrot also shows how fractals can inspire artistic expression, pointing out the fractal-like patterns seen in the works of artists like Jackson Pollock and Piet Mondrian.

Throughout the talk, Mandelbrot emphasizes the importance of embracing complexity and randomness. He argues that traditional mathematical models, which assume smooth and predictable behavior, are insufficient for describing the real world. Fractals, on the other hand, are able to capture the rough and irregular shapes that make up our world.

Mandelbrot's talk is both fascinating and accessible, offering insights into the power and beauty of mathematics. Whether you're a seasoned mathematician or just curious about the world around you, this talk is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the complexity and wonder of nature.

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