ThirstyFish

Symmetry means different things depending on usage. In the sciences, geometry, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, symmetry is a precise and well-defined concept of balance or "patterned self-similarity". In art and aesthetics, symmetry is used imprecisely to describe aesthetically pleasing proportionality, balance and harmony.

Most multicellular organisms exhibit some form of (approximate) symmetry. Symmetries are central to some of the most fundamental laws in modern physics. In ethics, law and social sciences, principles like reciprocity, justice, empathy and revenge are based on symmetry. In art and aesthetics, symmetry can be seen as pleasant at times and as boring or uninteresting at other times. We perceive people with symmetric faces to be attractive. We also find many things with an excessive degree of symmetry to be somehow limited.

The above image has two axes of symmetry. The first is the symmetry with respect to reflection, as defined precisely. The second is a more aesthetic one; It is the warm/cool contrast between the left and right sides of the image.

Song of the Day: Romeo and Juliet - Dire Straits (1980)