“A German merchant of the fifteenth century asked an eminent professor where he should send his son for a good business education. The professor responded that German universities would be sufficient to teach the boy addition and subtraction but he would have to go to Italy to learn multiplication and division. Before you smile indulgently, try multiplying or even just adding the Roman numerals CCLXIV, MDCCCIX, DCL, and MLXXXI without first translating them.”
This work approaches mathematics as a subject for broad intellectual exploration rather than technical calculation. The book considers the role of numerical thinking in human experience, examining how mathematical concepts illuminate various aspects of the world around us. Through thoughtful examination of numbers, patterns, and quantitative reasoning, the author invites readers to consider mathematics not merely as a tool for computation but as a way of perceiving and understanding life. The writing encourages curiosity about mathematical ideas and their applications, presenting concepts in a manner accessible to readers who may not have extensive mathematical training. more
John Allen Paulos, born on July 4, 1945, is a renowned professor of mathematics. He is known for his contributions to the popularization of mathematics and philosophy, with several books on mathematical thinking and philosophical contemplation to his name. more
“There is a pleasure unknown to the landsman in reading at sea.”
“All my favorite songwriters are American - Jad Fair, Jonathan Richman and Jeffrey Lewis.”
“I am more concerned about a world led by people, who think like machines.”
“You know why Guns n' Roses aren't a good band? Because no black people listen to them.”
“The only thing you find in the middle of the road are dead animals and dumb Americans.”