The infinity symbol. Latin for "unboundedness". Along with 0, it is one of the the oldest known human concepts. Infinity. Eternity. Space. Without end.
It has applications in history, science, mathematics, philosophy, and religion.
The image itself reveals its meaning. If you walked along the surface of the image, you would never reach an end.
It is as old an image as mankind itself, so I apologize for assuming that people would recognize it if they saw it.
Today, in a meeting, as I presented an ad that featured the infinity symbol as a primary element, the account chick turned to me and said, "What is that?"
I chuckled, assuming it was a joke. But she still looked at me confused.
"Um, the infinity symbol? You don't recognize it?"
"No," she says.
"Uh, well. It is infinity. As in forever."
"Well I didn't get that. And I don't think other people would know that either."
Another account chick added that she, also, did not recognize the symbol.
If I'm working with an audience that doesn't recognize the infinity symbol, then I should give up now. I've got nothing left to work with. Do you recognize letters? Does this mean anything to you: A. Or this: 7. Or how about this: +. Or !, %, & . Maybe I should just leave the page white so you can understand it.
I don't worry about her coming across this blog, as there's a high chance she wouldn't know what to do with these odd shapes and symbols I am clumping together in an attempt to communicate.
She'd come by my desk: "What are those odd marks you are using on your blog?"
"They're called words," I'd say. "Letters of the alphabet put together to signify emotions, objects, places, and the like. They help human beings share thoughts."
"Well," she'd answer, "they're confusing. I think you should stop using them. I think most people would agree with me."
In case you wonder what happened to those people in your middle school and high school who weren't very bright, well .... they go into account services at ad agencies. Or they work for the DMV. But mostly, ad agencies.