Dakota Beacon

Dear Student,

With summer over, a new school year begins. Blessings to you and your studies in this new adventure. As many of you may be aware, “education” is one thing, but learning is quite another.

Evidence abounds indicating that the US student population overall lags far behind many second and third world countries in the mastery of mathematics. In fact, many students studying advanced mathematics in US graduate schools are foreign students. That said, I offer a suggestion.

Should you be so inclined, expand your math knowledge beyond institutional learning. Engage in a wee bit of extracurricular reading in the field of mathematics. Dipping into the following recommended books will make this challenge easier than you think.

Books on the history and application of mathematics help sort through a myriad of information deluging us in the 21st century. Consider this reading list. While not exhaustive, it certainly offers an understanding of the “whys” and “wherefores” of mathematics. This, of course, represents my own opinion but these books just might foster a layman’s lifelong interest in math.

Billed as one of the most important tools in mathematics, the concept of zero is at the heart of the biggest controversy of all times -- the quest for a theory of everything. “Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea” by Charles Seife is a delightful and thought-provoking history of the concept of zero, the null, the void. The Babylonians invented it, the Greeks despised it, Hindus worshipped it, and the Catholic Church used it to ward off heretics. Intended for the non-mathematician, this book provides light reading.

“In Code: A Mathematical Journey” by Sarah Flannery is the story of an admirable young lady’s mathematical discovery. In 1999, at the age of 16, this Irish girl won first place in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists. Co-authored with her mathematician father, this story describes a young lady’s journey in mathematics.

Her claim to fame rests in the discovery and development of an encryption algorithm used to transmit secure data over the internet. Her book emphasizes the process of discovery and connectivity of ideas rather than formal mathematical proofs. A bit of advanced math is encountered in two chapters. For the most part, however, this represents a warm story of adventure and discovery.

Now comes the granddaddy of all mathematical chronicles -- the four-volume set of “The World of Mathematics” assembled by eminent scholar James R. Newman. This reference set, fifteen years in the making, comprises non-technical essays on every aspect of mathematics. Volume I includes a general survey of math. Volume II covers broad areas including the physical world and social sciences. Volume III includes essays on statistics, the design of experiments, and the vocabulary of math. Volume IV rounds out the discussion touching on mathematical calculating machines, music, puzzles, and amusements. This set is well worth acquiring as part of a library for a lifetime of continuing education.

Many have heard of or seen the movie “A Beautiful Mind.” This film was based on the book of the same title authored by Sylvia Nasar. Although a good movie, the book is far superior regarding the work of Dr. John Nash in the realm of game theory. This story honors one of the great thinkers of the late 20th century. His doctoral thesis “Non-Cooperative Games” was published in 1951. Dr. Nash succumbed to and dealt with paranoid schizophrenia for decades. In time, he overcame his schizophrenia by choosing to ignore the delusions that plagued him. In December 1994 he was awarded the Noble Prize for his application of game theory in economics. This very readable biography sheds light on the profession of mathematics.

Finally, I would recommend “How to Think About Statistics” by John L. Phillips. This excellent text supplements a person’s understanding of conceptual issues in statistics. The book makes sense of numbers encountered in media reporting, on the job, or in school. It will help keep the wool from being pulled over your eyes.

Sincerely,

Your old curmudgeon -- Dennis Patrick

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).