I'm here to gripe
About a topic that few would expect (and fewer would understand). I'm here to gripe about maths. I must say that I have been lucky with maths so far, be it IMO, uni, Putnam, REU. But the previous quarter has been very taxing, with telling impact on my results.
Why does it take so long for me to understand a piece of maths? Yes, i have developed the thought processes for problem solving, and have manipulated that to my advantage. But the problem, as always, is the initial understanding of the material. First, there is that disgust that has to be overcome. Second, there is the numerous re-readings that have to follow. Third, there is the slow understanding that creeps back and forth; just as I think I know what it means, a wrench gets thrown into the works.
Why am I unable to see the big picture, to see how it all links together? I have only local understanding, which doesn't translate into global knowledge. The reasons for definitions, lemma, propositions, theorems become lost, and slowly the results themselves are forgotten. This has happened time and time again, be it problem solving strategies, analysis and now algebra.
Why does being good in math mean that you have to devote your entire life to it? I understand the complaints against the typical math major. Sadly, its also sortof necessary.
Why has maths lost its beauty? Partly because understanding has not set in, and former knowledge is lost. This can be corrected with more time. Once again, a trade off is called for. But all hope is not lost.
It amazing how, after struggling for 10+ weeks, the tide is now turning back. I'm gaining confidence again in wanting to pursue a PHD. It's definately not at the same level as it was before, but the desire is now there, once again. This time round, the road forward is going to be much harder. I recongnize that, but hope that its not impossible.
Please excuse me if i become a hermit. Theres a serious game of catch-up that I need to play.
I'm so tempted not to burn all my bridges, but if it ever calls for that, I just might do so.
Why does it take so long for me to understand a piece of maths? Yes, i have developed the thought processes for problem solving, and have manipulated that to my advantage. But the problem, as always, is the initial understanding of the material. First, there is that disgust that has to be overcome. Second, there is the numerous re-readings that have to follow. Third, there is the slow understanding that creeps back and forth; just as I think I know what it means, a wrench gets thrown into the works.
Why am I unable to see the big picture, to see how it all links together? I have only local understanding, which doesn't translate into global knowledge. The reasons for definitions, lemma, propositions, theorems become lost, and slowly the results themselves are forgotten. This has happened time and time again, be it problem solving strategies, analysis and now algebra.
Why does being good in math mean that you have to devote your entire life to it? I understand the complaints against the typical math major. Sadly, its also sortof necessary.
Why has maths lost its beauty? Partly because understanding has not set in, and former knowledge is lost. This can be corrected with more time. Once again, a trade off is called for. But all hope is not lost.
It amazing how, after struggling for 10+ weeks, the tide is now turning back. I'm gaining confidence again in wanting to pursue a PHD. It's definately not at the same level as it was before, but the desire is now there, once again. This time round, the road forward is going to be much harder. I recongnize that, but hope that its not impossible.
Please excuse me if i become a hermit. Theres a serious game of catch-up that I need to play.
I'm so tempted not to burn all my bridges, but if it ever calls for that, I just might do so.
posted by calvinlinzw at
10:40 PM
3 Comments:
I concur with your feelings, except I'm a lot less motivated by you. Maybe it's just cos I'm a senior and counting down to graduation. I've thought about dropping algebra so many times this semester I've lost count... and the fact that I'm getting pwned left right and centre by the likes of charmaine isn't helping...
By
boonleong, at 4:34 PM
you won't burn your bridges
your friends will still be around when you come out of your hermitage, overgrown beard and shaggy, unkempt hair covering your barely recognizable features
By
Anonymous, at 6:59 PM
feeling better?
By
boonleong, at 12:50 PM
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