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The math in high school was more relevant 50 years ago than now, though. Most students who learn calculus will never, ever, integrate a function again in their

by pimmen 7y ago

The math in high school was more relevant 50 years ago than now, though. Most students who learn calculus will never, ever, integrate a function again in their life. Most people who don’t learn statistics will get bombarded with arguments based on statistical analysis, often done sloppily but only obvious to someone with training in the subject. So, if your choice is between calculus or Spanish, Spanish might be the better choice.

gshubert17 7y ago
Steven Strogatz in his book "Infinite Powers" shares the story of author Herman Wouk interviewing Richard Feynman about his role in the Manhattan Project. Feynman asked Wouk if he knew calculus. When Wouk replied, no, Feynman said "You had better learn it. It's the language God talks". Strogatz writes, "It isn't necessary to learn how to do calculus to appreciate it, just as it isn't necessary to learn how to prepare fine cuisine to enjoy eating it." His book gives a broader view of calculus than any text--more like calculus appreciation. > Most students who learn calculus will never, ever, integrate a function again in their life. This is true. But will they never, ever use the concepts of slope or area under a curve? An appreciation for calculus (or mathematics in general) can enhance one's life in other ways. To know enough math to appreciate the mystery of unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics [0], is mind-expanding. [0] https://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/MathDrama/reading/Wigner.html https://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/MathDrama/reading/Wigner.htm...
- pimmen 7y ago
  I agree, learning calculus does enhance one’s life. Statistics enhances your life even more though since you will actually use it. I use calculus sometimes at work and I use it when learning new mathematical concepts but it still doesn’t even come close to how important statistics is to me. Sometimes it just comes down to utility. If you live in Nevada and you’re wondering whether you should learn how to drive or how to sail, pick driving.

by pimmen 7y ago

gshubert17 7y ago

Steven Strogatz in his book "Infinite Powers" shares the story of author Herman Wouk interviewing Richard Feynman about his role in the Manhattan Project. Feynman asked Wouk if he knew calculus. When Wouk replied, no, Feynman said "You had better learn it. It's the language God talks". Strogatz writes, "It isn't necessary to learn how to do calculus to appreciate it, just as it isn't necessary to learn how to prepare fine cuisine to enjoy eating it." His book gives a broader view of calculus than any text--more like calculus appreciation. > Most students who learn calculus will never, ever, integrate a function again in their life. This is true. But will they never, ever use the concepts of slope or area under a curve? An appreciation for calculus (or mathematics in general) can enhance one's life in other ways. To know enough math to appreciate the mystery of unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics [0], is mind-expanding. [0] https://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/MathDrama/reading/Wigner.html https://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/MathDrama/reading/Wigner.htm...

pimmen 7y ago
I agree, learning calculus does enhance one’s life. Statistics enhances your life even more though since you will actually use it. I use calculus sometimes at work and I use it when learning new mathematical concepts but it still doesn’t even come close to how important statistics is to me. Sometimes it just comes down to utility. If you live in Nevada and you’re wondering whether you should learn how to drive or how to sail, pick driving.