Renowned Cognitive Scientist Crafts Mesmerizing Ambigrams

Douglas Hofstadter, a renowned professor of cognitive science and comparative literature at Indiana University, has spent the past four decades pioneering the art of ambigrams. As of 2025-08-04, the 80-year-old Hofstadter is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in this unique form of visual wordplay.

Ambigrams are words or phrases that can be read in multiple ways, often with left-right mirror symmetry or 180-degree rotational symmetry. Hofstadter first coined the term "ambigram" in 1983, building upon the work of typographers like Scott Kim and John Langdon who had explored this concept in the 1970s.

Over the years, Hofstadter has created thousands of ambigrams, each one a "pocket-sized creativity puzzle" that challenges the reader's perception of language. His latest book, "Ambigrammia," features several examples of his intricate designs, including a self-referential ambigram that reads the same forwards and backwards.

Hofstadter's ambigrams are not just visually striking, but also showcase his deep understanding of cognitive science and the human mind's ability to interpret and manipulate language. His work has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in the field of visual wordplay.