People I (Mostly) Admire 96. Steven Strogatz Thinks You Don’t Know What Math Is
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Jan 7, 2023 
Steven Strogatz, a mathematics professor at Cornell University, shares his passion for making math accessible to everyone. He draws fascinating connections between math and real-world phenomena, like the synchronization of fireflies and DNA structure. Strogatz critiques traditional math education, advocating for methods that foster curiosity rather than fear. He also touches on the intricacies of mathematical patterns in social networks and broader implications for our understanding of collective behavior, making mathematics relatable and engaging.
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Calculus in Action
- Steve Levitt recounts a car accident due to icy conditions and relating it to physics.
- He mentions his car sliding down a hill and crashing, highlighting the relevance of calculus.
Pure vs. Applied Math
- Steven Strogatz contrasts pure math, which is inward-looking, with applied math, which draws inspiration from the real world.
- He emphasizes that applied math can analyze anything mathematically.
Seeing Math Everywhere
- Steven Strogatz explains how he finds mathematical problems everywhere, stating, "I see math."
- This fascination drives his exploration of mathematical patterns in diverse fields.
