Tingly feeling in brain after solving hard problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the subjective experience of a "tingly feeling" in the brain after successfully solving challenging problems, particularly in mathematics. Participants explore this sensation in the context of problem-solving, emotional responses, and personal anecdotes related to their experiences in mathematics and related fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe a euphoric sensation or "tingly feeling" after solving difficult problems, suggesting it may be linked to endorphin release.
  • One participant humorously associates their feelings with a personal affinity for algebra, while others share similar sentiments about their experiences with mathematics.
  • A participant recounts a specific moment of realization during a class discussion about Lebesgue measurable sets, attributing their success to prior reading on set theory.
  • Another participant mentions the excitement of verifying mathematical derivations through computer simulations, describing a strong emotional reaction upon successful verification.
  • Some express that the feeling can also arise from frustration and eventual breakthrough after prolonged struggle with a problem.
  • References to a related thread are made, suggesting that the phenomenon has been discussed in more depth by other members of the community.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share similar experiences regarding the emotional highs and lows associated with problem-solving, but there is no consensus on the underlying causes or the nature of the "tingly feeling." The discussion includes both positive and negative emotional responses, indicating a range of perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on personal experiences and subjective interpretations, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion does not resolve the nature of the sensations described or their psychological implications.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the emotional aspects of problem-solving in mathematics and related fields, as well as those curious about the psychological experiences associated with intellectual challenges.

john562
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Do you guys ever get this tingly feeling in your brain after you spend a long time trying to figure out how to solve a problem (eg mathematical proof) and finally getting it?
 
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Endorphines?
 
I just think x is sexy :D
 
raam86 said:
I just think x is sexy :D

I bet algebra was your favorite class :biggrin:.
 
Yes, then you get very happy. And the day after it appears that the solution doesn't work and we get depressed. That's the story of math...
 
john562 said:
Do you guys ever get this tingly feeling in your brain after you spend a long time trying to figure out how to solve a problem (eg mathematical proof) and finally getting it?

Stroke?
 
raam86 said:
I just think x is sexy :D

lisab said:
I bet algebra was your favorite class :biggrin:.

I experimented with y's for a while, but that was just a phase...
 
G01 said:
I experimented with y's for a while, but that was just a phase...
For me it was \phi, also just a phase.
Once a professor asked the class how many Lebesgue measurable sets there were on the interval from 0 to 1. We just sat there thinking for about 5 minutes before finally, I blurted out "Oh!" and gave the answer. I was really proud of myself not only because I figured it out, but because I was easily the worst student in the room and yet figured that problem out faster than they did. It really did tingle. However, in the intervening years, I have come to the conclusion that the problem was a forced march in the sense that the only reasonable approach to the problem is the one that works. In a spare moment a few days earlier I had read a few pages from a book on set theory that explained cardinality. Probably the reason I got the answer quicker than the others is that this bit of extra-curricular reading was still fresh in my mind.
 
Nerdgasm.

I'm the kind that has lots of tiny ones instead of the big N.
 
  • #10
I usually get it if I verify the derivation by a simulation on the computer. Until then, I can never believe I really did it. And if the simulation verifies, it is orgasmic, I jump from my chair, and once again believe in the power of the formulas, which becomes unbelievable quite soon.
 
  • #11
Heh, yes... But only rarely.

Usually when I've been working on something really, really hard for a long time and I'm not getting it.

It's not working.

I cannot get it. I've stopped and come back, still nothing.

I'm getting really angry, I'm berating myself, I'm in the middle of my third cigarette...

And then it clicks.
 
  • #12
john562 said:
Do you guys ever get this tingly feeling in your brain after you spend a long time trying to figure out how to solve a problem (eg mathematical proof) and finally getting it?

John,

I see from your post count you are rather new here, that said, I think you may be interested in this thread, https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=413657", started by Fuzzyfelt. There are some real interesting posts describing that "tingly feeling" you are referring to by many different PF members. Good hunting...

Rhody... :biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
Thanks for the mention, rhody.
 
  • #14
fuzzyfelt said:
Thanks for the mention, rhody.

Fuzzy,

You are welcome, there is a wealth of information to investigate and ponder here...
John, I think you will be amazed at the depth and breadth of the discussion here, very cool thread, IMHO. Hope you enjoy it.

Rhody... :-p
 

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