I'm currently 24, and if I had the option to go back in time and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to spend more time on Math. Why?

Math is one of the most powerful subjects you can learn today; it governs almost everything fascinating you can think of.

It’s the foundational language of all engineering and scientific fields, and maybe even for the universe, at least from our perspective.

Even if you’re in a completely unrelated or non-technical field, learning and practicing math will still make you generally smarter.

Regular practice in math physically changes your brain, enhancing its plasticity and strengthening the neural circuits responsible for problem-solving.

Don’t just take my word for it, give it an honest try.

After just one month of consistent practice, you’ll feel noticeable improvements in your brain's ability to process complex information, recognize advanced patterns, and unique problem-solving mindset.

Finally, if you’re not a so-called “math person” (a notion I completely disagree with), it doesn’t matter. Practice it like an exercise for your brain. Even if you don’t become a great mathematician, you’ll be sharper and smarter than before. You have nothing to lose.

Learn #Math #Nostr

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You could not be more right imho

Math was my favorite subject in school but I was no scholar

Calculus was doap i thought. But i also had a really kewl teacher and that makes all the difference

Agreed. I wish I understood a lot of the more complicated math subjects. If I spent more time understanding it in my youth, I probably would've got into some interesting computer science fields such as cryptography which I find fascinating.

Math is the language the universe is written in. It's the language of god.

It's fundamentally flawed(Godel's Incompleteness theorems) and I love it.

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Got any resources you recommend for an adult who wants to take your advice and start working on math problems regularly as a hobby?

I was pretty cool before but this should really put me over the top.

You should maybe start with a resource that covers all the basic fundamental topics like linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, and probability in a very digestible way.

Assuming you already have some previous mathematical knowledge, this playlist might be a perfect fit for you.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZHQObOWTQDPD3MizzM2xVFitgF8hE_ab

Once you complete the first one, you should start this one. By the way, don’t rush.

Side note: Pay close attention to linear transformations in the first playlist. Once you understand that, everything else becomes much simpler.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZHQObOWTQDMsr9K-rj53DwVRMYO3t5Yr

These look great, I watched the first linear algebra video and it is well taught. I took calc years ago and mostly forgot it all, never took a proper linear algebra course before.

Any thoughts on resources for practice problems to get your hands dirty in addition to the videos?

One tip really helped me revisit math and made it less painful and easier to understand.

Context: I absolutely hated math. I opted out of it in the 10th grade and didn’t look at it for two years. No one on Earth could have convinced me to practice math every day.

But then I started my computer science studies, which forced me to learn math (probably the best thing that happened). More interestingly, studying math specifically around CS topics I was already familiar with made the initial learning process much less painful. In fact, I enjoyed it from day one.

This might be the key: instead of diving into raw math directly, especially when getting started, try approaching it through a field or concept you’re already interested in. Learn the math behind concepts you already understand. If you know the theory, try explaining or proving it with mathematical equations.

The first partial differential equation I solved on my own was Einstein’s field equation for a solar system model I was working on. I didn’t end up using it, post-Newtonian physics was enough but looking back, I’m pretty sure I’d never have solved it if I hadn’t enjoyed it.

So, in simple words: find a scientific or engineering concept with strong mathematical foundations, and practice with that.

This worked for me, but everyone is different. Just putting it out there—someone might find it helpful.

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Good job.

Everyone can learn math. My eldest is totally math brained. He relates absolutely everything to math even things like human interaction. That is how his brain works.

My youngest has down syndrome and math is much more difficult for him, but he has come to love math as well. (I think it is his favorite school subject). He has to work hard to learn the concepts and to really understand them. Luckily I've found a curriculum that really teaches understanding math instead of memorizing math facts and math procedures. Understanding math helps you think logically which is something severely lacking in society today.

I think all learning works best if you can find something of interest to motivate you. That is one reason homeschooling can work so much better than government schools. I am able to teach subjects in the way my kids think, using subjects and methods that interest them, so they learn to love learning and eventually learn to learn on their own.

Math = God!

This might be a little controversial, but one could argue that math, in reality, is more powerful than God in mythology.

In mythology, yes. But in an Abrahamic religion like Christianity, time, math and logic and the laws of this universe all came out of the mind of God who exists outside of them.

If God is infinite, he doesn't exist outside of them.

If you're being pedantic about the term infinite requiring finiteness to make sense, I think I'd respond by just saying "infinite" is just the best word we have for it from our context. If not, can you elaborate ?

Sorry elaborating would be peDaNtiC. I was pretty clear with my statement, but you definitely revealed why you know the meaning of peDaNtiC.

It wasn’t meant to be a triggering or aggressive use of the word. Was just wondering if your focus was on the term used. That’s why I asked for clarification. Sorry for the unintended aggressive tone

Especially since I thought we became friends at Nostrasia 🥹

I was hoping to go again this year!

I went to the bitcoin conference but not the small Nostrasia

Enjoyed it! A lot easier for me to go than you though

No, I am sorry. I am completely lost on this conversation. I didn't even realize it was you "rewolf" from nostrasia!

Hahaha no worries! I’m sorry too

I agree, I would also add even people from Dharmic religions have also made significant contributions.

I also disagree with this whole notion that religions were entirely anti-science. There were certainly some serious restrictions, but they were quite specific. Innovation overall was always encouraged.