This discussion centers on the challenges and motivations for pursuing a career in science, particularly for a 10th-grade student interested in physics and chemistry. Participants emphasize the importance of developing strong mathematical skills, particularly in calculus and linear algebra, to succeed in these fields. They also highlight the malleability of intelligence, encouraging a growth mindset and the belief that determination and hard work can lead to success in science. The conversation concludes with the suggestion to seek inspiration from resources like Hironaka Heisuke's "Joy of Learning" and to maintain a positive attitude towards learning.
PREREQUISITESStudents interested in pursuing a career in science, educators seeking to inspire students, and anyone looking to improve their mathematical skills and study habits.
ayush solanki said:I want something motivating and inspirational to push me forward from my current state.
ayush solanki said:I really love science and always think about the outer space.
I could use inspiration too its normalayush solanki said:Lately I have really been down. I fear if I will even be able to enter the science field. I really love science and always think about the outer space but I know that it's not enough. There is a lot of competition for this field. I want something motivating and inspirational to push me forward from my current state. Also I have trouble concentrating on my studies. Please help. Thank you.
You first have to consider which direction forward would be.ayush solanki said:... push me forward from my current state.
What have you studied up to now, and at what level? Do you want to build and design, or do you want to understand?ayush solanki said:Lately I have really been down. I fear if I will even be able to enter the science field. I really love science and always think about the outer space but I know that it's not enough. There is a lot of competition for this field. I want something motivating and inspirational to push me forward from my current state. Also I have trouble concentrating on my studies. Please help. Thank you.
I'm currently in 10th grade and have not studied basically but read some of the science novels, not the fiction ones. I would like to understand. About this universe, the reason behind it and much more things.symbolipoint said:What have you studied up to now, and at what level? Do you want to build and design, or do you want to understand?
Study as much Mathematics as you can handle for the next five years. You may be interested primarily in Physics and some Chemistry.ayush solanki said:I'm currently in 10th grade and have not studied basically but read some of the science novels, not the fiction ones. I would like to understand. About this universe, the reason behind it and much more things.
Yeah I'll study more mathematics. And yes I'm really interested in physics and chemistry but not that much in mathematics, I do maths because I have to not because I want to and that's what is troubling me, since physics has a major portion of maths and I'll need immense skill in mathematics if I want to be a scientist.symbolipoint said:Study as much Mathematics as you can handle for the next five years. You may be interested primarily in Physics and some Chemistry.
ayush solanki said:Yeah I'll study more mathematics. And yes I'm really interested in physics and chemistry but not that much in mathematics, I do maths because I have to not because I want to and that's what is troubling me, since physics has a major portion of maths and I'll need immense skill in mathematics if I want to be a scientist.
Thanks a lot. This really helped me. I'll start practicing maths from now on, regularly.micromass said:An "immense" skill seems to be an overstatement. It really depends on the field. In some areas of theoretical physics, you will indeed need an immense skill in mathematics. In other areas, it is not so important. It is however necessary to become fluent and comfortable with mathematics. You will not need to knowledge of a mathematician, but you cannot do without math.
The good thing is that mathematics can be practiced. The more you do mathematics, the better you will be at it. I understand you don't like it. That's ok, you can perfectly be a physicist and dislike mathematics. I have met several good physicists who dislike mathematics. That does not mean you get to neglect it, that would be disastrous. Just put a lot of effort into mathematics like calculus and linear algebra and you'll be ok.
XD. Sure.mathwonk said:do something nice for someone else. or "have a coke and a smile".
Bumpeh said:One of the biggest problems facing today's generation of students is the misunderstanding that intelligence is a genetic predisposition, something that's set, and something that you can never change.
That's not true.
Intelligence is a malleable thing that can be improved over time. If you believe in yourself and just do the best you can, over time your intelligence will rise and you'll start to understand things you thought you never could.
As cheesy as this may sound, your determination and spirit will make a huge difference while you're studying and going through school. The reason I did better than most students my age, who have the same intelligence or maybe are even smarter than me, is because I believed in myself. Don't tell yourself "I'm not a math person," even if you don't like math, saying or thinking something like that is extremely detrimental to you. Keep your mind open, keep studying, if you need help seek it out. If you don't ask that question when it first appears, you will appear stupid later on for not asking it. Don't fear being "stupid" by asking that question now! Make mistakes! That's how you learn!
I guarantee you every smart person out there has made mistakes, and are still making mistakes! It's human nature, what's important is to recognize and accept these mistakes, then move on. Don't let them bog you down. Just remember, it's not about some genetic predisposition or something that someone else got at birth and you didn't. It's about your determination, your spirit, and how hard you want to work for it.
Here's a really cool video that may help you later on down the road and right now-
"If you want it badly enough, you can have it, provided you work hard for it."
Bumpeh said:One of the biggest problems facing today's generation of students is the misunderstanding that intelligence is a genetic predisposition, something that's set, and something that you can never change.
That's not true.
Intelligence is a malleable thing that can be improved over time. If you believe in yourself and just do the best you can, over time your intelligence will rise and you'll start to understand things you thought you never could.
As cheesy as this may sound, your determination and spirit will make a huge difference while you're studying and going through school. The reason I did better than most students my age, who have the same intelligence or maybe are even smarter than me, is because I believed in myself. Don't tell yourself "I'm not a math person," even if you don't like math, saying or thinking something like that is extremely detrimental to you. Keep your mind open, keep studying, if you need help seek it out. If you don't ask that question when it first appears, you will appear stupid later on for not asking it. Don't fear being "stupid" by asking that question now! Make mistakes! That's how you learn!
I guarantee you every smart person out there has made mistakes, and are still making mistakes! It's human nature, what's important is to recognize and accept these mistakes, then move on. Don't let them bog you down. Just remember, it's not about some genetic predisposition or something that someone else got at birth and you didn't. It's about your determination, your spirit, and how hard you want to work for it.
Here's a really cool video that may help you later on down the road and right now-
"If you want it badly enough, you can have it, provided you work hard for it."