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I really appreciate your response. There seems to be a fundamental difference in mindset between the “applications” based learning of mathematics, and this pur

I really appreciate your response. There seems to be a fundamental difference in mindset between the “applications” based learning of mathematics, and this pure math based version. Are there benefits to be had for a person that only intends to use mathematics in an applied fashion?

chongli 3y ago
This depends on who you ask. Personally, I found studying pure math incredibly rewarding. It gave me the confidence to be able to say that I can look at any piece of mathematics and figure it out if I take the time to do so. I can't speak for those who have only studied math at an applied level directly. My impression of them (as an outsider but also a math tutor) is that they are fairly comfortable with the math they have been using for a while but always find new mathematics daunting. I have heard famous mathematicians describe this phenomenon as "mathematical maturity" but I don't know if this has been studied as a real social/educational phenomenon.