Why is Math Mindblowing to you and What are some Mindblowing Books about Math

[bmed90]

Why is Math Mindblowing to you and What are some Mindblowing Books about Math

 

[mathwonk]

what blows your mind depends on where you are right now. So a book that blows a professional mathematician's mind may not impress a high school student. But I suggest hilbert's "geometry and the imagination" to all readers.

 

[20Tauri]

I wouldn't necessarily call it "mind-blowing," but Fermat's Enigma by Simon Singh is a really cool math book. It's about the history of Fermat's Last Theorem and how it was finally solved in the 1990's.

 

[Snicker]

Mathwonk, I completely agree. Hilbert's Geometry and the Imagination is, by far, the most inspiring book in my mathematical library.

Books that I consider inspiring are books that I know was a product of struggle. That is, the mathematician author better have written it with the blood of his heart. In that sense, any writing from any "famous" mathematician is bound to be better than some textbook writer. There is certainly a sense of appreciation reading from primary sources rather than tertiary sources of mathematical struggles.

I really like Vladimir Arnold's books, few of the very rare good post-Bourbaki works of mathematics. Other modern writers I like are Lanczos, Gelfand, and Baez. In the pre-Bourbaki era, I really like Kolmogorov, Whittaker, and Euler.

 

[rezeew]

I am constantly amazed by the power and complexity of mathematics. It is the language of the universe, allowing us to describe and understand the fundamental laws and patterns that govern our world. The ability of math to provide precise and elegant solutions to seemingly impossible problems is truly mind-blowing.

One of the most mind-blowing aspects of math for me is its universal applicability. It is not limited to any specific field or subject, but rather can be found in everything from music and art to physics and economics. This versatility and interconnectedness make math a truly awe-inspiring subject.

There are many books that explore the mind-blowing aspects of math, but one of my favorites is "The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity" by Steven Strogatz. This book takes readers on a journey through the history of mathematics, from ancient civilizations to modern-day breakthroughs, and highlights the beauty and wonder of this discipline.

Another mind-blowing book about math is "Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem" by Simon Singh. This book delves into the intriguing story of one of the most famous unsolved problems in mathematics and the brilliant minds who dedicated their lives to solving it.

Additionally, "The Music of the Primes: Searching to Solve the Greatest Mystery in Mathematics" by Marcus du Sautoy is a fascinating exploration of the mysterious world of prime numbers and their significance in mathematics and beyond.

Overall, math is mind-blowing to me because it constantly challenges and expands our understanding of the world, and there are countless books that showcase its beauty and complexity.