Hey intrepid readers - Max here.

Last week we read Three-Part Invention and The MU-Puzzle. We were left in suspense as to whether MU is a theorem of Hofstadter’s MIU-system… at least, I hope none of you solved it, because I sure as hell didn’t.

Thanks to everyone who posted and shared their thoughts on the introduction and the first chapter - I really enjoyed reading what everyone had to say.

Our second reading week brings us to our second dialogue and chapter, Two-Part Invention and Meaning and Form in Mathematics. It’s a much quicker reading than last week.

This chapter introduces the pq- system, which stands in contrast with the MIU-system for the rest of the book. Hofstadter will give a look at mathematical systems, and we’ll learn a bit about Euclidian geometry.

Euclid’s proof is typical of what constitutes “real mathematics”. It is simple, compelling, and beautiful. It illustrates that by taking several rash short steps one can get a long way from one’s starting point.

P.S. Happy happy happy apple horse.