Math as a perspective on life (with Marcus du Sautoy)

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May 11, 2022

In this episode, guest Marcus du Sautoy, the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford, shares his insights on the power of mathematics in everyday life. He discusses whether math is discovered or invented and the impact of math on decision-making. Du Sautoy emphasizes the importance of storytelling in math education, advocating for a narrative-driven approach to ignite curiosity. He also explores the relationship between math and AI, highlighting how advanced technology can enhance our mathematical creativity and problem-solving.

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INSIGHT

Math as a Shortcut

Analytic thinking can be fast with the right tools like mathematics.
Math offers shortcuts, like calculus, to find efficient solutions without trying every possibility.

ANECDOTE

Gauss's Addition Trick

Young Gauss quickly added 1 to 100 by pairing numbers (1+100, 2+99, etc.).
This illustrates math's power to find elegant shortcuts, avoiding tedious calculations.

INSIGHT

The Power of Language

Changing the language of a problem can reveal hidden simplicity.
Reframing a complex game with a visual representation like a magic square simplifies the strategy.

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A mathematician's apology

G. H. Hardy

In 'A Mathematician's Apology,' G.H. Hardy presents a justification for the study of mathematics as an end in itself, rather than for its practical applications. Written in 1940, the book is part autobiography and part philosophical treatise, where Hardy argues that the beauty and elegance of pure mathematics, particularly in number theory, justify its pursuit. He contrasts pure mathematics with applied mathematics, which he sees as less elegant and often trivial. Hardy also reflects on his own career, acknowledging that his creative mathematical abilities were waning at the time of writing. The book is a passionate defense of the value of mathematics as a creative and intellectual endeavor[2][4][5].

Thinking better

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Thinking, Fast and Slow

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In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

Gödel, Escher, Bach

An Eternal Golden Braid

Douglas Hofstadter

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