Thread

How do we prevent mathemathics from devolving into the Medieval Era of secrecy?

158 points · 146 comments · jjgreen

jan_m_savage · 1789704911 · focus · HN ↗
Talking about frontier mathematics? Even the common for-mere-mortals version of mathematics is totally inaccessible to most people. Even to those who want to really learn it.
Take a good look at the textbooks that teach mathematics and tell me I am wrong.
1. tintor · 1789705798 · focus · HN ↗
  There are many amazing Youtube channels that explain complex math well, for example <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/3blue1brown" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/c/3blue1brown
  1. jan_m_savage · 1789734718 · focus · HN ↗
    I am well aware of all the sites and YT, what you probably thought I live in a cave? I taught mathematics at Tsinghua for over a decade, so I know what I'm talking about.
    3B1Br is great but only for a 'hobbyist'. There's no systematic progression to teach from A to Z. Also, you can't learn mathematics just by watching videos.

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