Can I be the Greatest Mathematician of All Time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the aspirations of a young individual questioning the possibility of becoming the greatest mathematician of all time. Participants explore themes of ambition, self-perception, and the nature of achievement in mathematics, with varying perspectives on the feasibility of such a goal.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of becoming the greatest mathematician, suggesting a fundamental misunderstanding of mathematics.
  • Another participant questions the seriousness of the original post, implying it may be a joke.
  • Several participants emphasize the importance of humility and the willingness to learn, arguing that aiming for greatness can lead to disappointment if one does not accept mistakes.
  • There are discussions about the distinction between being "good" and being "the best," with some participants noting that exceptional talent and hard work are both necessary to achieve the highest levels of success.
  • One participant suggests that the goal of being the best may lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment, advocating for a focus on enjoyment and passion for the subject instead.
  • Another participant provides a statistical perspective on the number of mathematicians, questioning the feasibility of being among the top mathematicians based on population ratios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the possibility of becoming the greatest mathematician. There are multiple competing views regarding the nature of achievement, talent, and the implications of setting such lofty goals.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the limitations of ambition and the potential for disappointment, while others emphasize the value of learning and personal growth over fame. The discussion reflects a range of attitudes towards success in mathematics and the expectations placed on individuals.

  • #31
Instead, hope to become the worst mathematician ever. Then, when you start failing at that, you will be happy because it means you are good.

PL
 
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  • #32
As Maxwell said, you are still in high school. Wait until you get out to uni, the real world and see how much of a big fish in a small pond you were.

It is far more likely that you become a good mathematician and stumble across a world changing discovery.
 
  • #33
thank you for maxwell for the advice,also moose, i speak voluble english i only use those to make my work faster and this goes to everyone who thinks because i am a nigerian my grammar is porous ,you have all made a very big mistake,also pengwuino at least you now know i am from nigeria ,now locrian what have i said that makes you laugh?thanks to all you who gave real advice, i am grateful .thank you too space tiger
 
  • #34
gosh i made a mistake ,thank u maxwell for theadvice
 
  • #35
abia ubong said:
i am 16 a high school grad i wanted 2 know if it was possible for me 2 be the greatest mathematician of all times ,already my friends call me the goat i.e the greatest of all times pls let me know

I foresee you will become the greatest of all the jedi...I mean mathematicians.
 
  • #36
mozart,what do u mean by jedi?
 

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