This is a picture I drew in late 1998. It has a specific, detailed meaning, which I can clearly see, but other people don't seem to get very often. Because I thought the meaning was cool, and I wanted to convey it in a recognizable form, I also wrote a story with the same meaning. I think that most of what is in the story is also in the picture, so for those of you who are into math and art, try studying the picture before you read the story. I have created a sequence of questions and answers with hints that will guide you through the process, if such help is needed. One of the great things about the web and digital technology is that it allows us to custom-tailor presentations in this way. Note: I have no illusions about the quality of my drawing skills. I draw because I have ideas, not because I think I can make pretty pictures. I may well have illusions about the creativity of my ideas, but that is another matter.
Questions & Answers Tour of the drawing
Last Modified: The Closing Days of the Millennium
Patri Friedman / patri@izzy.com