On studying mathematics.
Having to do coursework for Pure Maths, I have found myself capable of working on Analysis problems. Even better than I used to be with undergraduate Analysis courses. However, learning more has brought much query into this wee little brain of mine…
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Taken from http://www.robertrohde.com/classes/:
Math 630 : Lebesgue Analysis
This was my first graduate course, taken in my next to last semester of undergad. At this point, I still hadn’t decided between graduate school in physics or mathematics. While, I enjoyed this class, I ultimately realized how disconnected the world of mathematics is from the world of everyday experience, and that is why I chose grad school in physics.
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With due apologies to my professors (most of who were outstanding) , I can’t believe I have reached this point in studying that I can almost agree with this person, at least up to this level… Everyday life is such a vague idea, because yes, any mathematician can argue that whatever it is he is learning has its analog in everyday life. Hello? There is such a thing as Applied Maths… and hello? that’s my major. I should not be the first to say this. But well, I’m not disowning math. I’m just intent on picking what is useful and putting it into action.
With regard to studying maths in its purest form: It is bothersome to have to deal with EVERYTHING there is to learn about the abstractions of spaces, functions, sets… when what you can really work with is a mere fraction of all that. It is very elegant and omnipotent in a sense, but is it really all so useful?
First off, I acknowledge the possibility that a person can actually understand a lot about mathematics. But to say that they know everything is to say that they are GOD. On my end, I am okay with what little I know. Of course I am open to learn more, and understanding more, in any occasion that I may be required or motivated to do so. I am even open to the possibility that I could actually understand a lot about maths.
Now I realize, I’d rather that it be in a situation that would benefit others directly. And maybe, sometimes, it would all be just for my own selfish reasons, for mere self-satisfaction. However, I do not want to perch high atop a tower (and as Dr. Mendoza would say, “I won’t even call it ivory”) and be totally useless to the people around me.