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Anonymous
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Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects?
#2296639 - 02/03/04 07:29 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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- Post History Deleted Upon User's Request -
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Digs
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2296782 - 02/03/04 08:35 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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math is fun  working out problems, manipulating equations to find a solution, etc
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castaway
Isanybodyreallyhome?

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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: Digs]
#2296871 - 02/03/04 09:12 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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I bet a high percentage of gamblers are mathmaticians.
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nomez_
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: castaway]
#2297036 - 02/03/04 10:41 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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I think one of the main reasons is that with any math problem, you have a solution. You work your ass off to figure it out, stress over it for however long, then if your frustration hasnt gotten to you (or your still in school and you need the grade) you finally figure it out.
Think about it like sex. Work work work. rising action... rising action... SOLUTION! Oh yeah baby!
Okay, that was reaching a little, but you get the idea. Its the satisfaction after hard and sometimes frustrating work.
-------------------- -------------------------- Just a Smart Monkey
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Renegade8
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: castaway]
#2297055 - 02/03/04 10:52 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
castaway said: I bet a high percentage of gamblers are mathmaticians.
Yes we are. 
I obviously can't speak for the higher-level PhD-type mathematicians, but I personally prefer working with numbers because that's how my brain works best. I'm naturally good at spotting patterns and solving equations, but I have a bitch of a time reading some of the more complicated posts on here.
Dealing with words makes my brain hurt the way it makes everyone else's when they see a page full of numbers. I'd probably post a lot more if I didn't hate writing.
-------------------- I'm just see-through faded, super jaded, and out of my mind. - R.I.P. Layne
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vampirism
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2297094 - 02/03/04 11:07 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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I've heard it said that mathematicians become mathematicians because they are very bad at memorizing things- otherwise they'd be scientists or something which requires you to memorize tons of junk. This is the case with me ( well not quite the mathematician part, but im going into something similar in any case- and because i have no bloody memory )
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Anonymous
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2297098 - 02/03/04 11:10 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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- Post History Deleted Upon User's Request -
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Digs
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2297141 - 02/03/04 11:32 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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It wasn't a poor joke, the extensions were just a little obscure.
Well not obscure in as much as not obvious or really insinuated from the first post
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castaway
Isanybodyreallyhome?

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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: Renegade8]
#2297170 - 02/03/04 11:43 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Renegade420 said: I'd probably post a lot more if I didn't hate writing.
There's a machine out there that reads the message for you and speaks...I don't know if it works the other way around...Azurite mentioned it onetime and she could tell you if she were online....I don't know if I could find the post
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Renegade8
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: castaway]
#2297361 - 02/03/04 12:56 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
castaway said: There's a machine out there that reads the message for you and speaks...I don't know if it works the other way around...
Yeah, that's exactly what I need! That'd also be perfect for me 'cause I drive so much. Drives me crazy that I can't type & drive at the same time.
-------------------- I'm just see-through faded, super jaded, and out of my mind. - R.I.P. Layne
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Renegade8
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2297366 - 02/03/04 12:57 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Mr_Mushrooms said: Actually I was basing this on the idea that there is safety in numbers.
Poor joke. Sorry.
Ummm...don't mind me...been up since 5:00 this morning & getting stupider by the minute...
-------------------- I'm just see-through faded, super jaded, and out of my mind. - R.I.P. Layne
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appreciator
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2297570 - 02/03/04 02:04 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Im not a mathematician, I'm an engineer. For me its like solving a puzzle, "figuring things out," making it fit. Math/engineering problems are similar to other experiences in the world when viewed like that. They just have concrete answers, which can be more satisfying.
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MadHamish
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: appreciator]
#2297695 - 02/03/04 02:38 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Mathematics was conceived by the Greeks because they hungered for a way to explain 'reality'. Look aroud yerself, a tree is in perfect mathematical balance and could be described by a formula (pretty complicated one that would be though )
Why preferring math over other subjects? Because one is seeking an explanation of ones reality and math, for some, is the pencil that that allows them to make the most accurate drawing of reality... Nothing else will give them as much satisfaction...
Yet, sometimes the mathematical genius can't deal with reality because he sees order in everything he perceives, its simply overwhelming. Often, in practise, leading to madness...
-------------------- Valar Morghulis
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castaway
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: Renegade8]
#2299672 - 02/04/04 04:53 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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kaiowas
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2299879 - 02/04/04 08:10 AM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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what if they are good at math?
like there are those that just see it and get it! doesn't make it any better or worse of a person, just the way things are. what you said seems to be generalizing a group of people! hehe
-------------------- Annnnnnd I had a light saber and my friend was there and I said "you look like an indian" and he said "you look like satan" and he found a stick and a rock and he named the rock ooga booga and he named the stick Stick and we both thought that was pretty funny. We got eaten alive by mosquitos but didn't notice til the next day. I stepped on some glass while wading in the swamp and cut my foot open, didn't bother me til the next day either....yeah it was a good time, ended the night by buying some liquor for minors and drinking nips and going to he diner and eating chicken fingers, and then I went home and went to bed.
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Sclorch
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2300805 - 02/04/04 01:11 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Mr_Mushrooms said: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects?
Because they are insecure and/or frightened.
While this can be seen as an overgeneralization... in my experience, it is pretty accurate. I've run into quite a few math majors who can navigate abstraction like it's nothing, but then they can't, say, do their own laundry and are, more or less, socially retarded (read: in the real world, their self-esteem malfunctions).
-------------------- Note: In desperate need of a cure...
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gnrm23
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2300871 - 02/04/04 01:21 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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cuz mathematics is elegant...
-------------------- old enough to know better not old enough to care
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Frog
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: gnrm23]
#2300945 - 02/04/04 01:35 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Everyone's brains operate differently. My brain, while it can do math if it has to, would prefer not to. My friend's brain, while it can do words and reading and writing if it has to, would prefer not to. I have yet another friend whose brain can shift beween numbers and letters without difficulty whatsoever.
-------------------- The day will come when, after harnessing the ether, the winds, the tides, gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And, on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire. -Teilard
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SpecialEd
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: Frog]
#2301348 - 02/04/04 02:55 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
My brain, while it can do math if it has to, would prefer not to.
I've never met someone who said their brain prefers to do math. Math requires lots of time to learn, it's not something that you either have or don't have. Many people just use that as an excuse for not learning math.
-------------------- "Plus one upvote +1..." --- // -- /l_l\/ --\-/----
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vampirism
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: SpecialEd]
#2301352 - 02/04/04 02:56 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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yes, but the desire to learn is something you have or don't have - and some people are better at learning this sort of thing than others
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Renegade8
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: SpecialEd]
#2301387 - 02/04/04 03:04 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
SpecialEd said: Math requires lots of time to learn, it's not something that you either have or don't have.
Gotta respectfully disagree with you on that one, Ed. Math has been easy for me my whole life, even when I was a little kid. I agree that's no excuse for people to not try to learn math, but some people are naturally more number-oriented than average.
Out of all the things in the world I could be good at, it had to be this?...as she adds up yet another boring spreadsheet o'numbers.
-------------------- I'm just see-through faded, super jaded, and out of my mind. - R.I.P. Layne
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SpecialEd
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2301390 - 02/04/04 03:04 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
yes, but the desire to learn is something you have or don't have - and some people are better at learning this sort of thing than others
True. This is just the thing Swami was speaking of in "Self limiting definitions."
-------------------- "Plus one upvote +1..." --- // -- /l_l\/ --\-/----
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Frog
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: SpecialEd]
#2301397 - 02/04/04 03:06 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
SpecialEd said: Quote:
My brain, while it can do math if it has to, would prefer not to.
I've never met someone who said their brain prefers to do math. Math requires lots of time to learn, it's not something that you either have or don't have. Many people just use that as an excuse for not learning math.
No, I learned math in college. I went all the way through finite mathematics. I used to enjoy doing math homework first, because that got my butt in my chair, and then I'd stay in my chair and move on to other homework. Once I learned how to do the math, I enjoyed doing it.
But I prefer reading and writing. Language comes very naturally to me. If I see math, I can do it, but it makes my brain hurt.
Not many people could draft a motion the way I draft a motion. I mostly win my motions. That have to be organized, concise, argumentative, and rely on statutes and prior case law. It comes naturally to me.
Math does not come naturally to me. My brain has to work harder. When I do probate law, and have to provide an accounting, which utilizes general accounting principles, I can do it, and do it right, but it doesn't come as naturally as language.
I agree that there are people who will object to doing math because they don't want to learn it, but I learned it. Still makes my brain hurt.
-------------------- The day will come when, after harnessing the ether, the winds, the tides, gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And, on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire. -Teilard
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SpecialEd
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: Frog]
#2301408 - 02/04/04 03:10 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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I hear you. I guess people do have inclinations for some subjects. I was just saying that most people's road blocks in learning are self imposed.
-------------------- "Plus one upvote +1..." --- // -- /l_l\/ --\-/----
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CosmicJoke
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2302072 - 02/04/04 06:13 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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my new BF has a B.S. in math and computer science too. he is healthy, wealthy, and wise, and i wouldn't doubt his dedication to math helped in accomplishing some really cool things in his life. i'll ask him directly and relay you the answer.
-------------------- Everything is better than it was the last time. I'm good. If we could look into each others hearts, and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. It takes a lot of courage to go out there and radiate your essence. I know you scared, you should ask us if we scared too. If you was there, and we just knew you cared too.
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CosmicJoke
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2302103 - 02/04/04 06:19 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Simon Moon in the Illuminatus! has to be my favorite fictional mathematician i love that book 
i bet there are a million different motives to be a mathematician, i think i'd honor curiousity the most.
-------------------- Everything is better than it was the last time. I'm good. If we could look into each others hearts, and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. It takes a lot of courage to go out there and radiate your essence. I know you scared, you should ask us if we scared too. If you was there, and we just knew you cared too.
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CleverName
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2302737 - 02/04/04 09:19 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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its the languageof the universe...if one is gifted, one can take simple equasions and construct complex theories, like ramanujan, the Indian mathematician who was self-taught and had an uncanny mathematical manipulative ability. his intuition and computational ability allowed him to determine and state highly original and unconventional results which continued to defy formal proof until recently, of course he was a genius, but most mathematicians are...
-------------------- if you can't find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it? this is the purpose
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CosmicJoke
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2302867 - 02/04/04 10:00 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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Well, Steve here, a mathematician, thinks your question is silly and innane.... he asks why does anyone prefer anything to anything else? he says he has a taste for math, just like he likes he really likes citrusy fruits.
i dom't know if my b/f here really represents the world of mathematicians at large...
-------------------- Everything is better than it was the last time. I'm good. If we could look into each others hearts, and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. It takes a lot of courage to go out there and radiate your essence. I know you scared, you should ask us if we scared too. If you was there, and we just knew you cared too.
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automan
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Re: Why do mathematicians prefer math over other subjects? [Re: ]
#2303229 - 02/04/04 11:48 PM (19 years, 11 months ago) |
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because 1 + 1 = 2
the is no i comes before e.... unless there a c or it sounds like a, or any other bullshit rules like that.
-------------------- No, no, you're not thinking, you're just being logical. ~ Niels Bohr
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