A close-up of the E8 group’s extensive use of socks and sandals.
Earlier this year, we gave the Chinscratcher Award For The Sexiest Mathematic Theory Of 2007 to “The E8 Root System”. In that article, I examined the use of “Socks and Sandals” by the theoretical mathematicians involved. To be honest, I was not aware that others had noticed the “Sock and Sandals” phenomenon previously. However, I think I am first to note the unique predilection of mathematicians for this style of footwear. To demonstrate what I am talking about, I ask the reader to examine the E8 group photo in detail (click below to see larger version). Here you see the footwear in its raw, uninhibited state:
Theoretical Mathematicians Computed The E8
The use of socks and sandals here is both extensive and divergent. It cannot be explained by happenstance alone. To understand it, we must look further at the personalities involved here. I am compelled to postulate that the kinesics of this photo can be analyzed using E8 principles. There is a definite balance between the two sides of mathematicians — the professor on the right withe the blue shirt and very high pants, is probably a unspoken rival to the professor in shorts on the left. Moreover, I posit that the woman in the center group with the blue track suit longs to be head of the group. But she is misguided — because, I believe the true genius of the E8 here lies inside this fellow:
I believe that this fellow masterminded the intricate complexity of the E8. In fact, he seems to embody his higher dimensional mathematics in every fiber of his being. Now examine how he is positioned relative to the others in the photograph. Are his kinesics not transcendent of mundane geometries? There is no doubt in my mind that multitudinous E8 levels that can be explored within this photograph. I hope that others will assist me in the endeavor in the months ahead.
A close-up of part of the E8.
