Euclid and beauty

    I think Euclid and Euclidean geometry was so important over centuries because his most famous work, The Elements.  Using definitions and work from earlier textbooks from past mathematicians, Euclid compiles this information to write other definitions and postulates that are applicable to many different mathematic problems.  Just in my last math class, we used our physical bodies to represent the first three postulates, humanizing the mathematics that was written centuries ago.  These postulates, common notions, and principles are the "building blocks" for complex proofs.  They are simple and defined in a elegant manner, with no extra, unnecessary numbers or explanations.  I find The Elements to be beautiful because it can be used to explain the world around us.  Mathematics can be seen detached from reality at times and has a reputation of being abstract and impractical.  However, when applied in relatable situations and understood deeply, it can be seen anywhere.