What came first the circle or the square?

Question

In ancient times the moon is full, it represents a full circle, but in drawing terms a square would of been easier to draw then a circle.

Answer 1

I would like to consider these geometrical shapes at a conceptual level as I find it more revealing this way. I find that circle is universal. It is the basic formula behind universal architectural design. From a tiny electron to gigantic harmonics of planetary motions, all motion in nature ultimately is circular motion, or is derived from circular motion. This is simply how matter and its dynamics are managed. And this is how all material things are rounded to certain limits. In terms of human perception of reality a circle is a sign of association, belonging and devotion. We like to stay around people and things we like or love. All fruitfulness of human efforts is due to our ability to attend to our tasks periodically.

Square, on the other hand, is non-existence in nature. It is, in fact, a contrivance of human ingenuity. The simplicity of its design makes it a very useful concept. In human sense square is a symbol of safety and security. We feel safe and secure in our houses that are almost always build upon square patterns. It is strange that we do not build our houses circular following what we find in nature so fundamental. Where a circle represents belonging and movement, a square represents settlement, position and certainty.

There is however another geometrical concept that we conceived very early in our history but perhaps did not realise that soon. And that is the concept of a triangle. A triangle brings into the equation of our perception possibilities of things we do not know - we tend to define the unknown by giving it a name. For example, I know I am I, and I also know that you are you. But why I am I, and you are you? I do not know! I therefore think there must be someone else who made us as me and you - that someone most certainly was not either of us two. So, I think, there must the an entity who is above both of us - the God. And it is in this sense that triangle can be a concept of great spiritual significance - Egyptian pyramids are perhaps one good example for that. A triangle by pointing to the unknown points to the limitless.

You must have noticed that almost all religious buildings like: mosques, churches and temples, often have all three shapes incorporated into the structural design of their buildings. There are circular domes, conical minarets, and square halls underneath. Starting from the base it is a square structure, then there is a triangle blended into a sphere to build a domes, a minarets or a spire. This tell us a great deal about the conceptual relationship we have with the geometrical representation of our world. A square for the safety of our mind and body, a circle is for the devotion of our heart, then a triangle is for the sense of direction.

Answer 2

It is turns out that our Universe is based in a non-Euclidean geometry, we might not have yet realised the concept of a square. Therefore, I vote for the circle for that abstract reason, as well as that trees, sticks, stones, and eyeball all tend to be round.

Of course, we have evolved to the existence of the square circle. Vince McMahon would be proud. :-)

Answer 3

The circle came first.

Answer 4

Square boxes are easier to make than circle boxes. Actually, i haven't seen a circle box before...(one actually made of cardboard)

Answer 5

I would guess the circle. Its a more organic shape. It would take men to design the sharp angles of the square.

Answer 6

The triangle, which is the geometric base for both the circle and the square.

Answer 7

The circle.

Answer 8

too the contrary if u look at the origins of chinese characters they used both but the sun and the moon originally round eventually became more squared out and the other characters evolved in a similar fashion and I think chinese writing predates most... I'd call it a tie.

Answer 9

the perfect squre would have come before the perfect circle for the reason you specified but i am sure the circle would have been noticed first, moon etc

Answer 10

The square. Unfortunately it wasn't effective for transporting dead mammoths so they knocked off the corners and invented the wheel. Sadly, there are still a lot of squares about.
That's 'would have been', not 'would of been'.