We need to do better at cultivating interest in math, as well as other "hard" fields, among people who are normally excluded from the system. Su isn't as conce

We need to do better at cultivating interest in math, as well as other "hard" fields, among people who are normally excluded from the system. Su isn't as concerned with the amount of full-time mathematicians doing research work as he is the people who drop out far before that becomes an option. We should teach it better in high schools, and encourage more math undergraduates. Su isn't saying math is a great field free of problems, but he's arguing we should focus more on getting people further along that path, regardless of the stage where they drop out. I also think the problem you're referring to exists in most academic fields, and that the solution (if there is one) will probably have to be more general than just relate to math.