Mathematics is and continues to be one of the most disliked and avoided subjects there is, with many people dreading each and every lesson they attend, often echoing the question - "Where am I even going to use this in real life?". Well here I am to share with you my list of why I love this fervently unappreciated subject!
But first, let us define what Mathematics actually is..
Mathematics (noun) - Mathematics is the abstract study of numbers, patterns, measurement, shapes, logic, space, and deductive reasoning. It branches into two components; pure mathematics, and applied mathematics.
With our subject topic now well-defined, we can begin our list!
1. It has intrinsic beauty
Mathematics gives us a way to express an absolute truth contained entirely within a single-line display of beautifully-chosen symbolic syntax, often conveying a deep or startling result. With mathematics, there is a sense of discovery, artistry, wisdom, wonder and perfection all infused in one. The way vastly distinct topics somehow merge unexpectedly and offer a unified result. The fact that mathematical claims can be irrefutably proven or disproven rings universal justice!
2. It is the purest science of all
If you think about it, all other sciences are in some way or another a specialized application of a broader science that umbrellas it, with the entire group of sciences collectively forming a hierarchical list arranged by purity, with mathematics sitting comfortably on the top. Mathematics has the unique quality of existing as its own separate entity, not constrained solely to the physical and material world - it exists as its own separate realm of abstraction (pure maths), as well as in real-world applications (applied maths).
3. The poetry of logical ideas
Move over Shakespearean literature, there is a new class of poetry in town! Mathematical proofs and deductive reasoning is in many ways a type of poetic language. It conveys our intuitive ideas clearly and precisely, in a well-presented - yet concise - manner. It gives and projects meaning to what would otherwise be just a bunch of scribbles!
4. It is objective by nature
Perhaps one thing that makes math so powerful is its objective "black and white" property. When a theorem is proved, there is no one who can contest or challenge it as to its truthfulness. With mathematics, there is a sense of right and wrong, rather than a subjective "there are no wrong answers" point of view.
5. It is the universal language
Wherever you may be, and whatever your race is, there is one single language that is spoken by everyone, and that is Mathematics. A mathematical proof that does not involve words (there are many that do) can be understood by any person who is sufficiently learned in math, regardless of his or her native tongue.
6. Its possibilities are endless
Behind every latest technological innovation, every newly-designed device, lies the hidden works of Mathematics. From navigation to predicting the weather, from automotive design to finance and banking, from robotics to game graphics - all these things rely heavily on mathematical models to operate and function the way we want them to.
"But I'm not a math person.."
I hear this a lot and I do understand that math is not for everyone. It's not really something that can be acquired if the natural ability is not there. However, this does not mean you cannot appreciate and acknowledge its importance and value in life. You don't have to be an olympic gold-medalist in order to enjoy a particular sport - whether it be playing it, watching it, or even just learning about it. You don't have to be an art prodigy to be able to admire a wonderfully-shaped sculpture. You don't have to be an astronomer to be able to stand in awe when you look up at the night sky. So likewise, whatever your talents are, you don't need to be good at math in order to see its richness and beauty!
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed!
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