argh. i knew someone would post that.

it is not anything like as smart as it looks. the "formula" simply generates a bit-plot of whatever parameter is given. so the image is encoded in the bits of that particular value of n.

it's no more "self referential" than using some program that displays images to display a screenshot showing the program's source.

THANK YOU I've been mystified by that formula ever since I found it. I'll have to spend some time reverse engineering it tonight.

It's a funny one. It's not smart at all, but it is clever. It's one of those things that seem properly impressive up until you see how it was done.