The Life Scientific Marcus du Sautoy on mathematics
Jun 7, 2016
Marcus du Sautoy, the Simone Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford, shares his journey from a struggling math student to a leading mathematician renowned for his work on symmetry. He discusses the captivating overlap between mathematics and the performing arts, emphasizing math's creative side. Du Sautoy also explores the emotional depth of mathematics, making connections to music, and elaborates on the significance of symmetry in both abstract concepts and the universe. His insights bridge the gap between complex mathematics and public engagement.
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Proofs Require Logic And Emotion
- Marcus du Sautoy frames proof as a fusion of logic and emotion, calling it logos and pathos.
- He argues a proof must be logically correct and emotionally moving to count as convincing mathematics.
Meditative Play On A Yellow Notepad
- Marcus describes mathematical work as meditative play and uses a yellow legal pad as his workspace.
- He compares research to Beckett: fail, fail again, fail better until a breakthrough appears.
Teacher Opened The Door To Abstract Maths
- Marcus du Sautoy's maths teacher pulled him aside and gave him books that opened a new world.
- That early mentorship turned a mediocre pupil into a student who loved abstract thinking and patterns.