"... are shorthands for the vectors encoding the two basis states of a two dimensional vector space." How many beginner's know what a basis of a vector space is

"... are shorthands for the vectors encoding the two basis states of a two dimensional vector space." How many beginner's know what a basis of a vector space is -- how about unitary operators -- Eigen stuff? The word "beginner" does a disservice to the level you need to be at to start wadding into quantum stuff. At a minimum, you better not be a beginner of linear algebra! There is, imo, no better way to discourage people than saying this stuff is for "beginners".