I loved this smart, funny, big-hearted novel. As hilarious and wise as early Philip Roth, The Mathematician's Shiva will delight and move you. Steven Strogatz More Quotes by Steven Strogatz More Quotes From Steven Strogatz One of the pleasures of looking at the world through mathematical eyes is that you can see certain patterns that would otherwise be hidden. Steven Strogatz patterns eye world Logic leaves us no choice. In that sense, math always involves both invention and discovery: we invent the concepts but discover their consequences. … in mathematics our freedom lies in the questions we ask – and in how we pursue them – but not in the answers awaiting us. Steven Strogatz math discovery lying In mathematics, our freedom lies in the questions we ask — and in how we pursue them — but not in the answers awaiting us. Steven Strogatz mathematics answers lying Change is most sluggish at the extremes precisely because the derivative is zero there. Steven Strogatz extremes derivatives zero The frequencies of the notes in a scale—do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do—sound to us like they’re rising in equal steps. But objectively their vibrational frequencies are rising by equal multiples. We perceive pitch logarithmically. Steven Strogatz rising sound steps When you love a problem, its contours, obstacles and resistances are all just part of its character. Steven Strogatz obstacles resistance character When you create something new, you're breaking tradition - which is an act of defiance. Steven Strogatz defiance tradition something-new Looking at numbers as groups of rocks may seem unusual, but actually it's as old as math itself. The word "calculate" reflects that legacy - it comes from the Latin word calculus, meaning a pebble used for counting. To enjoy working with numbers you don't have to be Einstein (German for "one stone"), but it might help to have rocks in your head. Steven Strogatz rocks latin math You can get a certain amount of pleasure as a mathematical spectator, reading and watching some of the most beautiful arguments that have been created in the history of humanity. But that's too passive. Steven Strogatz you humanity beautiful history
