Other Should I Become a Mathematician?

[homeomorphic]

I wonder if my "well-roundedness" just makes me even more of a nerd, though.

I play piano, but that just makes me a music nerd, on top of a math and physics nerd (though it does impress people). I learned a lot about biology, but that, of course, just makes me a biology nerd, on top of all the other kinds of nerd I am. Playing go. Also kind of nerdy. It does help me connect with different types of nerds, though. Philosophy also just makes you more nerdy.

Of course, I do some other things that aren't so nerdy, like playing soccer and running, too.

The fact is, cultures can be somewhat anti-intellectual, and no one should try too hard to fit into them.

One thing that would probably go a long way towards fitting in is watching TV, but I find it a challenge to enjoy most things on TV. I believe this has significant consequences for my social life, but it's hard to do make myself do things I am not the least bit interested in, just so I can fit in more. I suppose, to some extent, that means I am doomed, socially. But I think it's worth the price I pay.

 

[kramer733]

I`m no math nerd at all .. althought i wish i was. I do brazilian jiu jitsu and mma recreationally. I also started doing salsa recreationally as well. I feel like math is more of a recreational activity for me as well. I don`t know where i`m going at in my life at all now. Everything i do feels so recreational.

I`ll probably end up joining the air force.

 

[mathwonk]

we should not ignore the spiritual side of life either. tonight while watching "the man who knew too little". I was rewarded with reassurance that the universe loves me, when i dropped my cheese cracker on the floor and it fell cheese side up.

i.e. math guys can love movies too.

 

[deckoff9]

Everything i do feels so recreational.

Isnt this a really good thing?

 

[Functor97]

I agree, that was excellent advice.

I'm sometimes torn when I encounter a bright, ambitious young person seeking advice here. They're often so brilliant and willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals. Of course, I want to help them on their path - that's what PF is for.

But I also want to tell them, go hike in the woods! Learn to ski! Fall in love! There is more to life than academic achievement, and life is so short!

It is kinda hard for people to fall in love with you when you major in pure mathematics. Most people i tell my major to reply "why would you want to do that?" or "What job are you going to get with that?", what is more these people are generally of above average intelligence (history, literature, engineering, economics majors). Why a football player is a more worthy mate than a mathematician is beyond me

 

[chiro]

It is kinda hard for people to fall in love with you when you major in pure mathematics. Most people i tell my major to reply "why would you want to do that?" or "What job are you going to get with that?", what is more these people are generally of above average intelligence (history, literature, engineering, economics majors). Why a football player is a more worthy mate than a mathematician is beyond me

If this is the case for you, you need to meet other people.

I spent a lot of time growing up in the country and I was the only person that found computer programming "cool" and to a large extent mathematics "cool".

Then you end up going to a university or doing a diploma course and you realize that in this environment your "average" or more likely, "less than average". The best thing though, is that you don't have to hide who you are, your quirks, and all the rest of that because this is normal.

Having said that, mathwonks advice is very important. Even if you want to dedicate a lot of your time to math (even when measured with respect to other scientists/mathematicians), sometimes you need to break up the day by doing something else.

Also with regards to the opposite sex, again that's just meeting different people. The argument is exactly the same as above.

 

[kramer733]

Isnt this a really good thing?

No it's because i felt like I've never had true passion in life. I don't want to live in a life without passion. I feel like I'm going nowhere.

 

[Nano-Passion]

No it's because i felt like I've never had true passion in life. I don't want to live in a life without passion. I feel like I'm going nowhere.

Life without passion is life without breath, without motivation. My passions help define who I am, and give me the motivation to live. Of course though, it is part of happiness and you can easily live through life without liking anything particularly deeply. But as for my case, I like having the intellectual stimulation. ^.^ Passion doesn't just include studying though, sometimes it could mean staring into the river or something else that is beautiful.

If you want a passion, go look for it. Passion is a fuzzy term, its all psychology. Your thoughts stem from your psychology. You can influence your own psychology, go for it.. think about it for a bit.

 

[deckoff9]

It is kinda hard for people to fall in love with you when you major in pure mathematics.

Lol. Here's a hint. No one is going to fall in love with you or not based on your major.

 

[homeomorphic]

I don't blame the fact that I can't fall in love on my being a mathematician. I just don't have enough charisma, I guess. Plus, I am too shy, and I don't know how to get a date. More of a socially awkward thing than a mathematician thing. Being a mathematician may scare some people away, but when I asked around about it, it didn't seem to be a deal-breaker for most girls. It takes a certain kind of person to handle a relationship with a busy scientist or mathematician, though.

 

[homeomorphic]

math guys can love movies too.

I can do movies because people tend to put more effort into them. Just not most TV or at least only nerdy TV like the history channel or PBS or something.

 

[Cod]

What is the best way to prep for a Algebraic Structures course? Here is the course description: "An overview of algebraic structures. The aim is to construct mathematically correct and concise proofs. This course introduces techniques of proofs, set theory, and group theory, and the application of those techniques. An overview of groups, rings, integral domains, and fields; detailed study of several groups; and exploration of properties of integers and polynomials. Topics may include an introduction to computer algebra and Boolean algebra." Based on the pre-reqs and description, I'm thinking I need to go back over my Calc II and Linear Algebra notes. Any others? Also, of note, the course will probably not be very rigorous since its an online course through UMUC with teaching at the high school level in mind.

Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Text was just released. Its "An Introduction to Abstract Algebra with Notes to the Future Teacher" by Nicodemi (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0131019635/?tag=pfamazon01-20). Thanks again for any help!

 

[eliya]

I wonder if my "well-roundedness" just makes me even more of a nerd, though.

I play piano, but that just makes me a music nerd, on top of a math and physics nerd (though it does impress people).

I learned a lot about biology, but that, of course, just makes me a biology nerd, on top of all the other kinds of nerd I am.

Philosophy also just makes you more nerdy.

That doesn't make you a nerd. Unless your definition of a nerd is derived from 90's american teenage movies. Everyone can be regraded as nerd. People who are into football? They can be regarded as nerds too. Fantasy football is super "nerdy", especially if you go into all of the statistics behind it. The point is that everyone is nerdy. Everyone who has some sort of a passion is a nerd, and you don't want to date those who don't. Seriously, a nerd is just a term that dumb kids in high school invented.

You need to figure out the environments you want to hang out in, and how to present yourself. For instance, if you're not into sports, you won't go to a sports bar to hang out. Why? Because it's a different kind of nerds who hang out there. Don't expect to strike a conversation with someone at a sports bar in the midst of a football game by saying "I like math". That's not going to work. Also, I think that people don't want to hear too much about you when you just meet them. That is, if you tell someone you're a mathematician and they ask what it entails, don't start giving them details about the problem you're currently working on. They won't understand it. Explain to them what it generally means to be a mathematician and why you like it. The same way you won't talk about your ex-girlfriend the first time you meet someone. There's a time and a place for everything. If you tell someone that you like math/a mathematician and they look down at you and leave, then they're not worth your effort anyway.

One thing that would probably go a long way towards fitting in is watching TV, but I find it a challenge to enjoy most things on TV. I believe this has significant consequences for my social life, but it's hard to do make myself do things I am not the least bit interested in, just so I can fit in more. I suppose, to some extent, that means I am doomed, socially. But I think it's worth the price I pay.

There's a lot of bad TV, but there's also some good stuff on it. You just need to find what you like. I used to not watch TV at all and it never prevented me from fitting in. Now I do watch some shows, but only because I like them, not to fit in.

One last tip, drink when you go out. Don't get wasted, but a beer will help you loosen up a little bit. Ever watched Can't Hardly Wait? The nerdy guy drank at the party and became everyone's favorite.

Sorry I derailed the thread from talking about people's aspirations to becoming mathematicians to that. I'm just always a little upset when people complain about being too nerdy and not being able to socialize. To keep the thread on track - I like math and would like to keep doing it for a long time.

Playing go.

Now that's really nerdy.

 

[homeomorphic]

That doesn't make you a nerd. Unless your definition of a nerd is derived from 90's american teenage movies. Everyone can be regraded as nerd. People who are into football? They can be regarded as nerds too. Fantasy football is super "nerdy", especially if you go into all of the statistics behind it. The point is that everyone is nerdy. Everyone who has some sort of a passion is a nerd, and you don't want to date those who don't. Seriously, a nerd is just a term that dumb kids in high school invented.

Nerdiness, here, is basically referring to being into things that most people don't find interesting. What I have in mind is if you took a poll and saw what most people are interested in. Most people don't care that much about science, math, or philosophy. That's the point. What are the kind of lowest common denominator subjects that the man on the street is interested in?

You need to figure out the environments you want to hang out in, and how to present yourself.

I've been thinking about how to present myself since high school, and I have unable to come up with any answers. I just have a disability. I think I am mildly autistic.

For instance, if you're not into sports, you won't go to a sports bar to hang out. Why? Because it's a different kind of nerds who hang out there. Don't expect to strike a conversation with someone at a sports bar in the midst of a football game by saying "I like math". That's not going to work.

Of course not. I wouldn't try that. I don't bring up math for no reason. But, all they want to talk about is football, and I have no clue about football, so there's nothing for us to talk about. So, yes, I won't go there to hang out. The fact that there ARE sports bars tells you something. There are no philosophy bars or biology bars.

Also, I think that people don't want to hear too much about you when you just meet them. That is, if you tell someone you're a mathematician and they ask what it entails, don't start giving them details about the problem you're currently working on. They won't understand it. Explain to them what it generally means to be a mathematician and why you like it. The same way you won't talk about your ex-girlfriend the first time you meet someone. There's a time and a place for everything. If you tell someone that you like math/a mathematician and they look down at you and leave, then they're not worth your effort anyway.

It's not what I say. It's what I don't say. I don't have any good jokes. I don't know about anything that interests people. I have no charisma.

There's a lot of bad TV, but there's also some good stuff on it. You just need to find what you like. I used to not watch TV at all and it never prevented me from fitting in. Now I do watch some shows, but only because I like them, not to fit in.

Well, I have experienced an uncountable number of conversations that I had nothing to contribute to because I don't watch enough TV or movies.

One last tip, drink when you go out. Don't get wasted, but a beer will help you loosen up a little bit. Ever watched Can't Hardly Wait? The nerdy guy drank at the party and became everyone's favorite.

Well, I do drink alcohol on rare occasions, but I have never really been drunk. I really don't think it does anything for me. I am just the same awkward guy who doesn't know what to say.

I have a disability. I accepted long ago that I would never fit in anywhere or be a normal guy. There's just not much hope for me, socially. It's quite separate from being a mathematician. Other math grad students are not socially disabled like me. I don't even fit in among them.

Sorry I derailed the thread from talking about people's aspirations to becoming mathematicians to that. I'm just always a little upset when people complain about being too nerdy and not being able to socialize. To keep the thread on track - I like math and would like to keep doing it for a long time.

On another note, it looks like I am going to quit math (at least academia) because I am too slow at research, and I don't want to deal with student complaints that threaten my career all the time. No one wants the weird autistic prof who doesn't know how to communicate with ordinary people. Other grad students say teaching is easy for them. It's essentially impossible for me. Why try to force it? Even if I can get the students to shut up with their complaints, I don't want the pressure. So, it looks like I am going to go to industry and quit academic math. I have no publications, and a lousy teaching record.

Playing go.

Now that's really nerdy.

Hey, go is awesome.

 

[mathwonk]

The basic fact, that seems to take so long to grasp about social interactions, is that being popular is not about being fascinating oneself, but consists in finding other people fascinating. I told the story here before about the plane trip I took with a very boring woman seat mate, and another very likeable man seatmate, all of us in a 3 seat group.

At least I thought she was boring when I was talking to her, since she was not interested in my own hangups, and I thought him likeable since he listened to me skillfully and patiently while I talked about my passionate interests.

Then he began talking to her, and drew her out beautifully, at which point she became extremely fascinating to me as well. Then I realized, this man makes everyone seem interesting, because he genuinely takes an interest in them and the things they love.

He not only made friends of both of us, but he made us appreciate each other. I was very impressed. I confess I still have not mastered his gift. It takes a bit of work, but I have witnessed the wonderful potential it has.

Have you ever asked yourself: "how does that delightful woman find that turkey of a man attractive?" Then we watch them interact and we see that he loves her and appreciates her and thinks of her welfare and her interests, and she apparently would not give that up for anything.

 

[Reb]

There's also a different side to doing math. Reading from S. Ulam's "Adventures of a Mathematician":




"In many cases, mathematics is an escape from reality. The mathematician finds his own monastic niche and happiness in pursuits that are disconnected from external affairs. Some practice it as if using a drug. Chess sometimes plays a similar role. In their unhappiness over the events of this world, some immerse themselves in a kind of self-sufficiency in mathematics. (Some have engaged in it for this reason alone.) Yet one cannot be sure that this is the sole reason; for others, mathematics is what they can do better than anything else."

 

[mathwonk]

well that is true, but phrased in a somewhat negative way. it reminds me of a poem by a nobel prize winning author perhaps a czech, in the 1980's who wrote something like:

"I do not apologize for seeking out beautiful words, to me at least that seems better than killing and murdering."

 

[Dinogen]

Hello all. I am about to head to bed and because of my tiredness, I have only sifted through this scarcely, but I have a question or two. First, if I want to major in anything of mathematics (I am unsure yet), is it required to go to a high-class school? I've heard that it is almost impossible otherwise. I have attended normal public schools and my grades aren't outstanding, not because of stupidity, but because of the lack of attention I feel school deserves from me. I'm a Sophomore by the way. Is it too late to attend a really nice university?

I may edit this in the morning if I remember or before I get a response. I just wanted to make this post before I go to bed, though it may not be the most clear.

 

[tclos]

I used to be a mechanical engineering major, switched to math as an undergrad. I feel pure math is a better fit for me. Pure math has a different type of problem solving skill requirement, logic, and intuition. Granted it may not be the most lucrative field when the undergrad degree is the terminal degree, however, math is fundamental to any science and engineering field and college instructors are in demand.

 

[homeomorphic]

Hello all. I am about to head to bed and because of my tiredness, I have only sifted through this scarcely, but I have a question or two. First, if I want to major in anything of mathematics (I am unsure yet), is it required to go to a high-class school? I've heard that it is almost impossible otherwise. I have attended normal public schools and my grades aren't outstanding, not because of stupidity, but because of the lack of attention I feel school deserves from me. I'm a Sophomore by the way. Is it too late to attend a really nice university?

I may edit this in the morning if I remember or before I get a response. I just wanted to make this post before I go to bed, though it may not be the most clear.

If you are a sophomore, it's not too late to turn it around. I didn't go to a prestigious place for undergrad, but I got into a high-ranked place for grad school. I also turned things around in terms of grades, starting in my senior year, actually, when I changed my major to math. I did okay before that, but not great.

Of course, it does put you at a disadvantage, but it's not too late. You might not get into Princeton or Harvard, but that's okay.

I talked about getting into grad school. I don't know that much about undergrad, since I just went to where my dad was a prof, so I could get free tuition. Never really thought about competing. Anyway, you don't have to go to the best undergraduate institution, as my story shows.

 

[Dinogen]

If you are a sophomore, it's not too late to turn it around. I didn't go to a prestigious place for undergrad, but I got into a high-ranked place for grad school. I also turned things around in terms of grades, starting in my senior year, actually, when I changed my major to math. I did okay before that, but not great.

Of course, it does put you at a disadvantage, but it's not too late. You probably won't get into Princeton or Harvard (usually the people that get in there have straight As and have taken a couple years of graduate classes already, which you can't do if you are behind), but that's okay.

Thanks for the reply. Do you know which schools would be good to look for? I haven't done any searching, so before that I'd like some recommendations.

 

[homeomorphic]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know which schools would be good to look for? I haven't done any searching, so before that I'd like some recommendations.

I don't know about undergraduate programs. You can look at rankings for math departments and for the university overall. Higher ranked places will give you more leverage if you want to go to grad school and probably in the job market, but I think what matters most is what YOU do, not where you go.

I should add that I wasn't a great student in high school.

 

[mathwonk]

The problem with your plan Dinogen, is you have apparently not fully grasped that it is considered your responsibility to do well wherever you find yourself in order to be taken seriously or allowed access to a good school. Your comment about school not deserving your attention is pretty much a giveaway that you are so far, not deserving of a good school. It is not too late to change that attitude. But until it changes you will probably not get into a good school.

Sorry to be blunt but that is how i would treat your application if you were applying to my school. I have seen applicants with very strong SAT's, gifted all round in academics and sports, excellent grades, but who were not perceived as trying hard enough, not getting into their top college choices.

 

[Dinogen]

The problem with your plan Dinogen, is you have apparently not fully grasped that it is considered your responsibility to do well wherever you find yourself in order to be taken seriously or allowed access to a good school. Your comment about school not deserving your attention is pretty much a giveaway that you are so far, not deserving of a good school. It is not too late to change that attitude. But until it changes you will probably not get into a good school.

Sorry to be blunt but that is how i would treat your application if you were applying to my school. I have seen applicants with very strong SAT's, gifted all round in academics and sports, excellent grades, but who were not perceived as trying hard enough, not getting into their top college choices.

I understand what you are saying and I apologize if I worded it wrong. I meant that I don't care for most of what I learn because it's a... veil hiding things of greater potential. I don't need to know key figures of Greece and the works a Shakespeare. Believe me, I love going to math and science. I just hating wasting my time in classes I don't care and won't need.
Not to mention, the teachers at my school suck. That my seem crass, but it's true. They are horrible at teaching and the class students are berserk, making it nearly impossible to study right and learn what I need to unless I do it at home. To be honest, I'm considering learning everything I need to for my junior and senior classes and testing out of them. At the very least, begin homeschooling. But to get back to my point, my school sucks.
I've only just gotten into the field of mathematics and have only brushed over it, but after much contemplation and consideration, I really think it's what I want to do in my future. The only thing is, I don't know where to begin. Do you know any textbooks I should buy or even online courses of some sort? I want to begin learning as much as I can as soon as possible, but there is so much and I don't know where to start.

 

[homeomorphic]

I understand what you are saying and I apologize if I worded it wrong. I meant that I don't care for most of what I learn because it's a... veil hiding things of greater potential. I don't need to know key figures of Greece and the works a Shakespeare.

We were just talking about how it's good to know more than just math. I recall some kind of study that was done about engineering students that found that the ones who had taken humanities classes were more flexible in their thinking or something like that. I kind of half remember it, so it's hard to take it too seriously, but I think the point is clear.

Not to mention, the teachers at my school suck. That my seem crass, but it's true. They are horrible at teaching and the class students are berserk, making it nearly impossible to study right and learn what I need to unless I do it at home. To be honest, I'm considering learning everything I need to for my junior and senior classes and testing out of them. At the very least, begin homeschooling. But to get back to my point, my school sucks.

It could be that it sucks, but you have to make the most of what you have.

I've only just gotten into the field of mathematics and have only brushed over it, but after much contemplation and consideration, I really think it's what I want to do in my future. The only thing is, I don't know where to begin. Do you know any textbooks I should buy or even online courses of some sort? I want to begin learning as much as I can as soon as possible, but there is so much and I don't know where to start.

You can try Khan academy online.

I think plane geometry is a good subject to start with to help build your intuition (it's a typical high school class, but I think if you want to be a mathematician, it's a good idea to study it at a bit higher level). You can find Euclid's Elements online (just google it), or look at a book like Lines and Curves: A practical geometry handbook. Eventually, you will want to learn calculus, but you have to make sure that your algebraic skills are pretty good, first. Khan academy covers that, I think. Also, you can find books on problem-solving, like Polya's How to Solve It.

 

[Dinogen]

We were just talking about how it's good to know more than just math. I recall some kind of study that was done about engineering students that found that the ones who had taken humanities classes were more flexible in their thinking or something like that. I kind of half remember it, so it's hard to take it too seriously, but I think the point is clear.

Oh, believe me, I'm interested in more than just math. I love philosophy, and anatomy and biology as well. I've considered auditing a course and considering if I want to take one some time after my real school time, just to learn more.

You can try Khan academy online.

I think plane geometry is a good subject to start with to help build your intuition (it's a typical high school class, but I think if you want to be a mathematician, it's a good idea to study it at a bit higher level). You can find Euclid's Elements online (just google it), or look at a book like Lines and Curves: A practical geometry handbook. Eventually, you will want to learn calculus, but you have to make sure that your algebraic skills are pretty good, first. Khan academy covers that, I think. Also, you can find books on problem-solving, like Polya's How to Solve It.

Thanks. I'll take a look into each of those. :)

 

[mathwonk]

i sympathize dinogen. but i had a friend in grad school who was much smarter than me. he never made judgments about the professors, while i on the other hand got p***ed off by the ones that were offensive or stupid. he just learned from each one whatever they had to offer. to progress as fast as possible never let anyone's flaws prevent us from learning from them. for example i was kind of a jerk in responding to you, but you took it well. good job.

 

[TheKracken]

Could someone here give me an overview of what Mathematicians do? Like people with post doc and phd's...Ive heard of like code breaking and reaserch and such..could someone explain how code breaking and high level math have stuff in common? Also which path would you take for that ? pure? Applied? also What kind of reaserch do mathmaticians do?

 

[Nano-Passion]

Could someone here give me an overview of what Mathematicians do? Like people with post doc and phd's...Ive heard of like code breaking and reaserch and such..could someone explain how code breaking and high level math have stuff in common? Also which path would you take for that ? pure? Applied? also What kind of reaserch do mathmaticians do?

To add, one thing that always intrigues me is how what they do transitions to a full-time job. I guess I run by a syndrome named "how does it take soo long??" Its hard to imagine if your not far in the field.

 

[jerone]

For interesting math and physics programs, go to http://www.educationfair.nl/page/view/course-guide/natural-sciences-and-it
If you are looking for financial aid go to http://www.educationfair.nl/scholarship/search

 

[mathwonk]

Kracken, someone else has suggested this essay: I have not read it myself.

http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/~avb/pdf/WhatIsIt.pdf

 

[TheKracken]

Kracken, someone llse has suggested this essay: I have not read it myself.

http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/~avb/pdf/WhatIsIt.pdf

Good essay! It did not really answer any of my questions, but regardless it was still really good. I'm curious, I am currently self studying calculus and I was curious if I would be able to self study topics past calculus without calculus knolege? Let's say stuff after diffrential equations and such.

 

[Dougggggg]

Good essay! It did not really answer any of my questions, but regardless it was still really good. I'm curious, I am currently self studying calculus and I was curious if I would be able to self study topics past calculus without calculus knolege? Let's say stuff after diffrential equations and such.

Not DE, there may be some early level proof courses you could look into. I don't know but imagine that would be a tough one to teach yourself though.

Is anyone going to the Joint Meeting in Boston this year?

 

[mathwonk]

the only sure way to tell what you can understand about a subject is to look at the material and find out. you may not understand it fully, but you might either learn something or learn that you need to know more background. Is is surely impossible to understand much de without calculus, but you can enjoy some of the geometric aspects of vector fields by looking at the pictures or the software animations available.

 

[Li(n)]

What does one have to do to study network theory?

 

[homeomorphic]

What does one have to do to study network theory?

Since no one else is replying, let me take a stab at this, although I am not an expert.

I'll just focus on the side of it that I have explored, which is the pure math perspective. I was very interested in graph theory at one point in time, and maybe I will get back into it, although it seems far removed from what I'm doing now. Really the only prerequisite to start learning it is being comfortable with proofs, although once you get more advanced, other branches of math will become relevant.

You can find Diestel's graph theory book free online. That's the only source I am familiar with.

It's a beautiful subject. Blew my mind. Sometimes, I can't believe I didn't specialize in it, but I ended up at a school where there wasn't much of it going on, and I was so interested in topology and physics, so my attention drifted from it.

 

[mathphyslover]

i am in great dilemma whether to study maths or phys ??

i just love going deep deep deep...in any concept or you can say i just love to no the A-Z of anything i face while studing science.
equally
i love solving problems in mathematics ..

but doing both and keeping pace with school seems to be (i.m.)possible.
or i just love to do research but i am in 11th standard and i can't do that
i have decided to become a theoretical physicist?
nowdays i am tensed about my career ..

i have heard that "learn from yest. , live in present and hope for future."
but how one can hope for future if he don't know what to do in his present...

that's all
{this is my first post and i hope someone will guide me ,
extremely thank you

 

[mathwonk]

try to relax, listen to music, visit natural scenes.

 

[homeomorphic]

i am in great dilemma whether to study maths or phys ??

Which one is easier for you?

I had to make that decision, too, a few years ago before I applied to grad school. Maybe I'm kind of a physicist at heart. I find it hard to have a long-term, sustained interest in math without connections to reality. Physics keeps trying to pull me back in. I find it hard to focus on my thesis sometimes because of the lust to learn more physics all the time (and other math, too). If I do a postdoc, I'm going to try to get into quantum computing or some form of applied topology.

If you have a desire for more contact with reality, like me, maybe physics or applied math would be good. Some people can just work on problems of purely mathematical interest for their whole lives, with some vague hope that it will trickle its way into practical applications one way or another at some point. I don't have that kind of faith or patience. I want to have some reason to believe that the math might be making a contribution to society. Maybe not straight away, but headed in that direction, at least. So, my interest lies in bridging the gap between pure and applied. I'm not opposed to pursuing some things just for math's sake because there are always odds and ends in my understanding of math to be taken care of, but I don't think I can make that the focus of my efforts.

You can try to do both math and physics, but it's difficult. I tried to do both, but when you're in a math department, it can be a challenge not to get sucked way into pure math, and I imagine you could have the opposite problem in a physics department.

 

[mathphyslover]

what you mean by
"" you could have the opposite problem in a physics department.""

 

[mathphyslover]

NOW COMING to career -

i want to know how i can satisfy myself that 'yes , i have potential to become a theoretical physicist'?
what special is present in mind of a theo.physicist
or

i want to know what should be my planning to become a theoretical physicist/
if anyone know any website on theo.phy.

 

[homeomorphic]

what you mean by
"" you could have the opposite problem in a physics department.""

I mean if you like math, there might not be enough math.

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

How do mathematicians find time to have a girlfriend?

Unless maths doesn't consume most of their time, I guess.

 

[mathwonk]

thats a big problem. math takes so much time and attention. spending too much time with either one, girlfriend or math, can devastate the other relationship. Even as a mature adult I found it impossible about 20 years ago to resuscitate my dormant research life unless I refused to go out drinking with social friends - I needed my brains and will power sharp all the time. But life is full of competing demands, and at some point you have to learn to balance them.

In truth there is not enough time to do even your math job fully. All three aspects of a professor's job, research, teaching, and administration, are potentially infinite time sinks, and you have to truncate them and manage all of them.

Life is the same in general, you have a social self, an intellectual self, a physical self, and a spiritual self, and they all need to be kept healthy. Graduate school however is often a temporary period of imbalance. Thats why it can be a miserable experience.

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

When did you meet your spouse?
Before, after or during grad school?

 

[atyy]

micromass posted a solution at https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3513336&postcount=1736.

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

micromass posted a solution at https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3513336&postcount=1736.

The solution assumes I have more than zero, we didn't show existence. :-(

It's funny I remember watching the weakest link at Friday, and there some old guy who says he find his Taiwanian wife from some advertisemnt in the paper...

I guess I can always buy me a spouse. :-D

 

[atyy]

The solution assumes I have more than zero, we didn't show existence. :-(

 

[Nano-Passion]

thats a big problem. math takes so much time and attention. spending too much time with either one, girlfriend or math, can devastate the other relationship. Even as a mature adult I found it impossible about 20 years ago to resuscitate my dormant research life unless I refused to go out drinking with social friends - I needed my brains and will power sharp all the time. But life is full of competing demands, and at some point you have to learn to balance them.

Very wise words, I can relate, its the one thing I often ponder and struggle with. You often have the big-picture of things, have you considered writing a book by any chance?

In truth there is not enough tim to do even your math job fully. All three aspects of a professor's job, research teaching, and administration, are potentially infinite time sinks, and you have to truncate them and manage all of them.

Life is the same in general, you have a social self, an intellectual self, a physical self, and a spiritual self, and they all need to be kept healthy. Graduate school however is often a temporary period of imbalance. Thats why it can be a miserable experience.

I agree with the exception of the spiritual self. Unless you refer to the spiritual self as the subjective experience people attain through their sentient and pondering brains, and not a physical existence of a higher being and a soul ambiguously hidden away within the heart ventricles.

 

[mathwonk]

i mean it in the most comprehensive way. Even if you occasionally wonder about matters beyond your immediate self, i consider that a manifestation of your spiritual self. I do not postulate any mysteries that you must accept. I only mean that at times it seems to me healthy to consider matters more long lasting than our own next meal. Of course just contemplating the beauty of mathematics is something like this.

But I do not ask you to agree. I still think it useful sometimes to get up early and be quiet, or go to a national park and look at a mountain. I used to go to Mt Rainier for a few days in the late summer, to strengthen my resolve to go back to work for another year. It may even be useful to occasionally wonder what we have in common with other human beings.

I was in grad school twice, the first time unsuccessfully. In between the two trips I met my spouse. Then we had to go back to grad school with a child, when my employer was unwilling to keep me on as a teacher without a PhD degree, in spite of the general consensus opinion of my fellows that I knew as much as or more than anyone else there.

This posed a catch 22 for me keeping my job. I.e. without a PhD I could not keep my job, but once I obtained a PhD, I was eligible for so many much better jobs I would not stay where I was.