Final answer:
People tried to 'square the circle' to create a square with the same area as a given circle, which is a classic problem in geometry symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and perfection. It was deemed impossible because it requires determining the exact value of pi, a transcendental number.
Step-by-step explanation:
People trying to "square the circle" refers to the ancient geometric problem of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle, using only a finite number of steps with compass and straightedge. This problem became known as one of the classic unsolvable problems in mathematics, due to the necessity of calculating π (pi), which is a transcendental number and cannot be exactly determined by such geometric methods. The task symbolized the pursuit of knowledge and the human endeavor to understand the universe. With the influence from ancient philosophies and the belief in perfect shapes, such as the circle often symbolizing eternal perfection and divine qualities in spiritual contexts, this geometric challenge held both mathematical importance and philosophical significance.