Fractals are typically not self-similar

Why HN readers recommended it

It is the standard pointer for a clear, visual explanation of what fractals are, and for correcting the idea that fractal means self-similar.

This is a summary from the source dataset, not an endorsement by Hacker News or the video creator.

Video & recommendation details

Creator / channel

3Blue1Brown

Topic

fractals

Format

explainer

Level

intro

HN recommenders in dataset

7

HN mentions in dataset

11

Recommendation years in dataset

2017–2024

These counts and years describe the included Hacker News records; they are not YouTube views or the video’s publication date.

From the original HN conversations

Excerpts from the recorded comments. Follow each source for the full comment and surrounding discussion.

• Here is are two very clear explanations of fractal dimension by the man himself, Grant from 3b1b. [1] Fractals are typically not self-symmetric: [VIDEO] [2] Fractal charm: Space filling curves: [LINK]

• When something is referred to as fractal, does it always imply a degree of self-similarity? As I understand it, Mandelbrot developed fractal geometry as a tool to examine the "roughness" of reality as opposed to the smoothness of calculus and fractal dimension is a measure …

• Actually, you make a good point. The social dynamics are themselves a dimension. Social network graphs can behave as fractals. In a gymnasium filled with people, there is a significant 'fractallyness' to the social network. In traffic, the fractallyness is very limited to just about …