With the exception of the Olympic Rings, Venn diagrams are our most recognisable overlapping circles. So what is it exactly?

Venn diagrams are widely used to visually communicates the logical relationship between data sets. The diagrams, very often utilising circles or ellipses, are used to illustrate simple set relationships in the fields of probability, logic, statistics, linguistics, computer science … and, increasingly, the popular culture.

Venn diagrams were introduced in 1880 by John Venn (1834–1923) in a paper entitled "On the Diagrammatic and Mechanical Representation of Propositions and Reasonings" in the Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science. The existence of this genre of diagram predates Venn, but are justifiably associated with him as he was the one who really formalised their usage.

There is a common misconception about Venn diagrams that they can only be used to represent two or three sets when in reality one can represent any number of sets. Having said that, it can get pretty confusing as evidenced by some of our visual examples [Ed: I’m looking at you Steve Miller] … and somewhat self defeating given their original purpose to deliver visual clarity.

As alluded to above, Venn diagrams have also become a popular vehicle for cultural observation or humour. Enjoy our selection of examples.
___________________________

References

wikipedia.org/wiki/Venn_diagram
salon.com/2024/07/29/venn-diagrams-kamala-harris-explainer-history/
geeksforgeeks.org/applications-of-venn-diagrams
ranker.com/list/funny-venn-diagrams/backerman

Images

1. Stained-glass window with Venn diagram in Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University and John Venn before being elected to the Royal Society in 1883.
2. Strippers and cats
3. Fast, Cheap and Good. Choose two.
4. Ikigai [RR#1: ]
5. An excellent example of creative Venn thinking. Credit: @mattsurelee
6. All roads lead to Splayds [RR#1: ]
7. Advice from The Beatles
9. Project 2025 [Ed: You had to be there.]
10. Santa
11. Using Venn thinking to recruit for REMO, 2017
12. Video: The Joker, Steve Miller Band. Watch and understand.
13. Venn diagram of Venn diagrams