Is There a Derivative for Our Own Lives?

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the metaphorical application of calculus, specifically derivatives, to personal life experiences. Participants suggest that life can be viewed through mathematical principles such as slope, feedback loops, and regular functions. The conversation highlights the complexity of human behavior compared to mathematical functions, emphasizing that while calculus provides a framework for understanding change, real-life situations are often chaotic and unpredictable. Recommendations include the book "Psychocybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz for applying feedback principles to life.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and slopes.
  • Familiarity with feedback theory and its applications.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between mathematical functions and real-life scenarios.
  • Awareness of the psychological implications of self-examination and behavior adjustment.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Psychocybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz for insights on applying feedback principles to personal growth.
  • Explore feedback theory in depth, particularly its mathematical foundations and applications.
  • Study the concept of slope in calculus and its metaphorical implications for life satisfaction.
  • Investigate the differences between discrete and continuous functions in the context of personal experiences.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for psychologists, life coaches, educators, and anyone interested in applying mathematical concepts to personal development and understanding human behavior.

mathscience
Newton discovered the derivative of a function. But what if we used that same methodology and applied it to our own lives?

What I mean is, what if there were a specific derivative to our own life?

Just a thought.
 
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That would help you with integrating in society.
 
I always try to derive pleasure from life, avoid going down any slippery slopes, and have regular functions. My life has been increasing exponentially though so taking the derivative won't change anything.
 
Jimmy Snyder said:
I always try to derive pleasure from life, avoid going down any slippery slopes, and have regular functions. My life has been increasing exponentially though so taking the derivative won't change anything.

It's those regular functions that are the most important. I just HATE it when my functions go irregular on me.
 
I prefer my functions to be discrete rather than continuous.
 
If the specific derivative is effective enough to change the way you function, it usually becomes a controlled substance.
 
jtbell said:
I prefer my functions to be discrete rather than continuous.

I prefer they be discreet as well as discrete.
 
mathscience said:
Newton discovered the derivative of a function. But what if we used that same methodology and applied it to our own lives?

What I mean is, what if there were a specific derivative to our own life?

Just a thought.

It's just a matter of defining it :smile:
 
mathscience said:
Newton discovered the derivative of a function. But what if we used that same methodology and applied it to our own lives?

What I mean is, what if there were a specific derivative to our own life?

Just a thought.

do offspring count?
 
  • #10
Pythagorean said:
do offspring count?

:smile: that's a funny thought - introducing your children as your derivatives...
 
  • #11
lisab said:
:smile: that's a funny thought - introducing your children as your derivatives...

So my parents are integrals??
 
  • #12
micromass said:
So my parents are integrals??

they were definitely integral to your derivative
 
  • #13
Pythagorean said:
they were definitely integral to your derivative

That makes them really smooth.
 
  • #14
At least one of them had to be. The other probably had to set limits.
 
  • #15
Pythagorean said:
At least one of them had to be. The other probably had to set limits.

I know they were very open about things. They rarely had divergent thoughts.
 
  • #16
micromass said:
That makes them really smooth.

Yes. If they didn't integrate, and instead used the trapezoid rule, they'd be step parents.
 
  • #17
life being a state of never-ending growth and change, it's the second derivative we ought to watch.
 
  • #18
Yeah but don't go too far with that. If you bring up the third derivative, you're going to sound like a jerk.
 
  • #19
Ygggdrasil said:
Yeah but don't go too far with that. If you bring up the third derivative, you're going to sound like a jerk.

But it can be reversed by a fourth mention. Jerks can change.
 
  • #20
I'm so sad I read this forum post...
 
  • #21
PRodQuanta said:
I'm so sad I read this forum post...

What? You mean to say you didn't derive any pleasure from it?
 
  • #22
Think think think...

uh, slope, area under the curve, partial derivative, "as time goes to infinity," "as my patience approaches zero," ...

dang it, something's there, but I can't put it together!
 
  • #23
Chi Meson said:
Think think think...

uh, slope, area under the curve, partial derivative, "as time goes to infinity," "as my patience approaches zero," ...

dang it, something's there, but I can't put it together!

Maybe your deriver's license has expired.
 
  • #24
Chi Meson said:
Think think think...

uh, slope, area under the curve, partial derivative, "as time goes to infinity," "as my patience approaches zero," ...

dang it, something's there, but I can't put it together!
A man's got to know his limits.
 
  • #25
lisab said:
Maybe your deriver's license has expired.
d'oh!

Jimmy Snyder said:
A man's got to know his limits.
d'oh/d't!
 
Last edited:
  • #26
Calculus for dummies?
 
  • #27
Dummy variables are often useful in calculating an integral or a derivative. You just have to explain carefully what they're doing, so they don't get confused.
 
  • #28
I thought for sure this was going to be a locked thread by now. That was a trollish question it seemed. OP? Are you there?
 
  • #29
Chi Meson said:
I thought for sure this was going to be a locked thread by now. That was a trollish question it seemed. OP? Are you there?

A drive-by it would seem, which is a shame since we have provided so much that he could integrate into his thought process.
 
  • #30
Maybe we derove him out of his mind.
 

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