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by PAM
"Despite what most people suppose, many profound mathematical ideas don’t require advanced skills to appreciate. One can develop a fairly good understanding of the power and elegance of calculus, say, without actually being able to use it to solve scientific or engineering problems.
"Think of it this way: you can appreciate art without acquiring the ability to paint, or enjoy a symphony without being able to read music. Math also deserves to be enjoyed for its own sake, without being constantly subjected to the question, 'When will I use this?'"
- Manil Suri
University of Maryland - Baltimore
In the article, "How to fall in love with Math"
New York Times
Published September 15, 2013
Thank you, Mr. Suri for this. :)
I was in a meeting a few days back... my colleagues and I were reviewing a curriculum for a certain Program. When one was discussing the content of a Lit course, or a History course, or a Music course, everybody responded so enthusiastically... myself included, actually. :) However, when Math was spoken about, many of my colleagues gave a collective groan... and, many were stirring in their seats like they needed a restroom break all of a sudden! :( Needless to say, I was very hurt. Uh-huh, 'hurt'... because I take the issue of Math appreciation, or the lack of it, personally. =)
But, seriously now, why does Math get that cold reception - even from Educators? What are we, "Math pushers", doing wrong?
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