Math

Saw this article on Slashdot today, and found it interesting. It’s a longish cri de coeur about the state of mathematical education, and about the widespread misunderstanding of what math is. (Short version: Math is primarily an art form, like music or painting, with incidental practical applications. Real mathematical activity concerns the derivation of new results, not the application of known formulas. It cannot be learned without being done, and should be done early, not reserved for grad school.) Worth a look. Similar remarks might apply to other disciplines.