Why opening the door to mathematics is the key to the good life

We hear plenty of talk about how sports teaches valuable life lessons, yet not so much about another endeavor requiring discipline, perseverance, and, yes, courage: math. Mathematician Francis Su received a rare standing ovation for his farewell talk to the Mathematical Association of America when he called for more inclusion in the community. Larger lessons too often get lost in the numbers, formulas, and ideas of what a mathematician should be, shutting out opportunities for too many people. In his talk he framed mathematics as a pursuit uniquely suited to the achievement of human flourishing, a concept the ancient Greeks called eudaimonia, or a life composed of all the highest goods. Su talked of five basic human desires that are met through the pursuit of mathematics: play, beauty, truth, justice, and love. If mathematics is a medium for human flourishing, it stands to reason that everyone should have a chance to participate in it…

Featured Videos:

Follow @RupeshNandy