Comments on: Who are you…who who, who who.

By: sigfpe

sigfpe — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 02:06:08 +0000

Russ: There’s a long tradition of mathematics intertwined with mysticism. Think of Plato and Pythagoras or the combinatorics of mystics such as Abulafia and Llull. Aczel argues for mystical influence on Cantor and Brouwer’s intuitionism was in line with his mystical philosophy. There’s a recent book on Descartes and mysticism. And a search on mysticism and mathematics will turn up hits relating to many cultures from around the world. Jainism is particularly interesting for the importance it placed on the contemplation of large numbers, both finite and and infinite.

By: Walt

Walt — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:09:41 +0000

Russ: I don’t think it’s crazy to feel mystical when thinking about numbers or the interconnection of different math concepts. Mathematicians might not put it in that particular language, but they recognize the feeling.

tplambeck: That’s awesome. I think a lot of people dream of being able to retire young, and pursue their favorite topics.

By: tplambeck

tplambeck — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 22:00:13 +0000

I recently added this blog into my RSS feeds and liked reading about the others, so here's mine I'm a PhD from the Stanford Computer Science dept, 1990. I spent the 1990s starting computer companies and selling them, and retired around 2000 to work on math, learn physics and do a little bit of angel software investment. I've been working on misere combinatorial games recently

By: Russ

Russ — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 17:22:42 +0000

I know it’s a little late but I wanted to say Hi. I’m an amateur mathematician and I think I use the word mathematician very lightly as sometimes it seems like I can barely add, but I am fascinated by most mathematical topics even though I understand very little of what I read. I think it is an attraction to the concepts surrounding infinity that feeds my imagination the most – something mystical about numbers in general. I’m sure most mathematicians blanch at the idea of there being something mystical about numbers and about the connectedness of all maths, but I find myself ruminating on the subject continually. As for my actual background, I have a M.A. in history from Western Washington University and I am currently pursuing certification to be a secondary (high school) history teacher. I will always pursue further knowledge in maths though. And I appreciate this blog. Happy New year everyone !

By: Algebraowl

Algebraowl — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 10:13:03 +0000

I dodge in from time to time.
My background, judging from these posts, is unusual: I was a History major at UC Santa Barbara. I became a History teacher in Illinois but, upon returning to California, my services were not needed (too expensive because of my years of experience and, let’s face it, most History teachers teach until they die). I took enough math units (21 less than a year) to qualify me to teach intermediate school mathematics. And there I am still, five years later, teaching Algebra to…reluctant?…eighth graders.

By: hjlin

hjlin — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 03:55:02 +0000

I’m a 4th year undergrad at UC Berkeley, majoring in mathematics and computer science. I just applied to mathematics PhD programs … and I’m nervously waiting to hear back from them.

By: andy.s

andy.s — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:03:49 +0000

BA in Math from Cornell College 1980 / BS Systems Science & Math from Washington U St. Louis 1980.

I’ve been a programmer lo these many years, but recently started picking up my old math books on account of some kind of midlife crisis thing or other.

Also looking into some new fields that I never studied before like Clifford algebras, which totally rock (I like Clifford Algebras as much as this guy:http://modelingnts.la.asu.edu/html/intro.html although not as much as this guy: http://www.valdostamuseum.org/hamsmith/clfpq.html#whyclif)

By: jnk27

jnk27 — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 19:13:34 +0000

I have a Masters in Biomedical Information & Computer Science, and blog at http://johnkemeny.com/blog .

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 20:16:01 +0000

I’m not a regular reader, but I stop by from time to time. Undergrad in physics, MLS, currently doctoral student in information studies. I loved the math part, have no idea why I didn’t major in it — Back to the cognitive questions — I was just wondering if anyone studied the difference in cognitive effort in using computer mediated communication for math over say, using a blackboard or pencil? I’m also interested to a certain extent in information retrieval in math… I guess I’d better look up Jacqui’s blog … (BTW- I totally agree that counting and arithmetic aren’t math!)

By: high_st_mark

high_st_mark — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 17:11:36 +0000

I have no qualifications in Mathematics other than studying it as part of a Cartography Degree. I visit this site and some other Maths and Physics sites just because I find it interesting. What little time I do have for reading I spend reading History of Mathematics and Popular Science.

You are all very lucky to be working in such a thoughtful occupation.