Tingly feeling in brain after solving hard problem?

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The discussion centers on the euphoric sensation experienced when solving complex mathematical problems, often described as a "tingly feeling" in the brain. Participants share personal anecdotes about the joy of finally arriving at a solution after prolonged effort, highlighting the emotional highs and lows associated with mathematical challenges. Some mention the satisfaction of verifying their solutions through simulations, which amplifies their excitement. There is also acknowledgment of the frustration that can precede these moments of clarity, including feelings of anger and self-doubt. The conversation emphasizes the rewarding nature of intellectual breakthroughs in mathematics and the community's shared experiences in navigating these challenges. Additionally, a recommendation is made for further reading on a related thread that explores similar feelings among members.
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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:
 
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  • #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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