Terence Tao: An Inspiring Story

[Ratzinger]

I just read a nice http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/science/13prof.html?em&ex=1174017600&en=7859399ad981a6cd&ei=5087 " on Terence Tao.

 

[J77]

I just read a nice http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/science/13prof.html?em&ex=1174017600&en=7859399ad981a6cd&ei=5087 " on Terence Tao.

Not good enough for your opinion, tho?

 

[Trail_Builder]

thnx for the link, i currently reading his book on problem solving and loving it :P

interesting to read that article

 

[Math Is Hard]

I walk by his office every day. Haven't ever seen him, though.

 

[Gib Z]

Very very interesting article. I particularly enjoyed this:

“I had a pyramid model of knowledge, that is, a very broad base and then the pyramid can go higher. If you just very quickly move up like a column, then you’re more likely to wobble at the top and then collapse.”

That is a very true analogy!

Whatever my shape is, it is not easily described in elementary equations :P I have very strong bases in some areas of math, and just average in others, not to mention my shape isn't very tall yet. Some sort of sqiggle i have...

 

[tehno]

Very very interesting article. I particularly enjoyed this:

“I had a pyramid model of knowledge, that is, a very broad base and then the pyramid can go higher. If you just very quickly move up like a column, then you’re more likely to wobble at the top and then collapse.”

That is a very true analogy!

Very true indeed.
A good principle of "how to work ".
Tell that to Tom1992.Maybe he will learn something.

 

[Gib Z]

Haha lol yes it amazes me how much he knows. To find things like multivariable calculus and linear algebra easy, and learning topology, at the age of 14...that is amazing. But he did say he was learning trig when he was 11, so it makes me think he must have rushed somethings to get through that much...In Australia from trig to topology, working hard, is 8 years, not 3.

Not to mention, he seems to be able to recall factual knowledge etc etc, but can't make relevant deductions from them. I used to have that problem as well, and it comes from reading and reading tonnes, but not bothering to do the exercises assuming they will come naturally from your reading knowledge! Sure you get through the book faster, but you don'lt learn much.

 

[tim_lou]

smart people... what can I say...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terence_tao

youngest guy ever in international mathematical Olympiad. I doubt if I can even do one of the easiest problem in Olympiad right now...

 

[Gib Z]

Some of the problems in the Olympiad are relativly easy, as in, I can barely do the easiest ones :D

 

[eprjenkins]

thnx for the link, i currently reading his book on problem solving and loving it :P

interesting to read that article

What is the name of this book?

 

[Trail_Builder]

What is the name of this book?

solving mathematical problems: a personal perspective