CH 46: eiπ + 1 = 0 is Heavy Duty
In the circle of mathematicians, there is some agreement that this humble formula, eiπ + 1 = 0, referred to as Euler's identity, is of the most beautiful that has ever been formulated. Stanford mathematics professor Keith Devlin says, "Like a Shakespearean sonnet that captures the very essence of love, or a painting that brings out the beauty of the human form that is far more than just skin deep, Euler's equation reaches down into the very depths of existence."
So what is it about this formula that is so captivating and powerful? For starters, it is likely to have come from the mind of Leonhard Euler, who is among the most prolific and gifted mathematicians to ever have lived.
However, the main reason for its beauty is probably in its incredible ease in using so many different operations and powerful mathematical constants simultaneously. It uses the operations of addition, multiplication and exponentiation exactly once each. It uses the ubiquitous 0, 1, π , e and I mathematical constants also exactly once. To use such ubiquitous and powerful constants in such a compact form is truly an astounding achievement.
