A Mathematician’s Lament

Think you know math? Please read this essay by Paul Lockhart which is exceptionally brilliant.

I have always loved mathematics but I can easily see the truth in his words by relating it to my own learning experience in school & then college. Asking "why?" of a teacher over anything was academic suicide.

Of particular interest to me was his "ladder myth" trap to which I succumb even today. For example, of late I have been interested in lambda calculus and the first thought that shoots in my mind is what all I need to learn prior to tackling it instead of concentrating on the context of the problem and what the conjecture solves.

Another aspect of the essay that really stood out was his emphasis on students critiquing each others work. This has the by-product of making students more resilient to criticism and being able to handle it better. I could link this directly with developer's behavior towards code reviews. I have seen many a developer who does not have the emotional aptitude to take criticism of one's work.

Please read the essay, it may get you charged up for what I consider one of the most beautiful avenues of learning & fun.