The Dark Truth About Learning Advanced Mathematics

Learning advanced mathematics is extremely difficult. It takes time, patience, and an incredible amount of effort. In this video I talk about this and how it relates to balance. Do you have any advice for people watching this video? If so, please leave a comment below.

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[alphafound]

I used to tell my Elemnetary Statistics students, "You know that feeling you get when you look at a math problem, and you don't know what to do, or where to begin, and it doesn't even look familiar? The difference between you and me is I like that feeling." Somehow, you have to find a way to "break on through to the other side."

[whizgranny]

I'm not a professional mathematician, but an old lady, who loves to learn advanced mathematics. And I am a very happy person. 😊

[mrbomb]

A year ago, I didn't know anything about math. I started learning math from algebra 1, and now I'm reading Axelrod's linear algebra book and another book on multivariable calculus. All of that, beside my university and work, is why I think the key to doing anything is consistency. Start with a small amount, and after some time, you will become addicted to achieving new goals, studying more, and getting out of your comfort zone.
Thank you for your efforts.

[menoconoces]

For me, the crucial moment in my grad studies was when my PhD supervisor sternly warned me to finish with the category theory crap that I had gotten fascinated with and go to work on the serious research problem he had given me. It was an ultimatum. He was going away for a month, and I had better show some progress when he got back, or else. I spent almost every minute until his return alone in my apartment, living like an animal, eating random crap and sleeping only when I dropped, working like hell on a very deep and very speculative idea that had come to me. I only figured out how to finish the proof the night before he returned. Summoned to his office, I showed him the “junk” that I had done instead of doing as he had ordered. After some silence, he said “Holy shit! Go to the library and bring me a good book on category theory.” That was the beginning of the balance-breaking that resulted in my PhD thesis.

[themibo]

If I hadn't worked everyday on mathematics I wouldn't be where I am now at 17yo. Through hard work I learned quantificationnal logic, proof strategies (how to prove it, velleman), Calculus 1, 2 and 3 (The math sorcerer's course on udemy+stewarts calculus) and so on. I managed to do this in 2 years from absolute scratch. I am not an intelligent person, I am just dedicated. Yes I went through burn-outs, but one must remember that successful people aren't motivated 24 hours a day. Even when they're not motivated they work, and they always learn from their mistakes.

[Shawns_snapshots]

I struggled with math anxiety for years, gave up on two degrees because of it.

This week I passed my calculus and Algebra Exam with a B after ridiculous amounts of studying.

Now it just feels normal to study math like any other subject, as opposed to this unscalable mountain.

Thank you for your inspirational content.

[Bubs.]

I started going to school for engineering last year and have been taking the calculus classes since the winter quarter. This channel has been a huge help and I’ve recommended watching to my classmates and friends since I’ve gotten so much benefit.

Anyway, I’m 22 years old, and married with a little boy and a baby on the way. Ive been working full time to support my family as well as going to school.

It’s been a challenge but embracing the challenge has been fun and inspiring. Since I have limited time to focus on school, family and work, it forces me to be more productive with my time if I want to be a good dad, husband, employee and student; if not, then im falling behind in one or more of these areas.

As a result so far, my marriage has been great, I’ve been producing at a similar level at work to what I was prior to school (if not more) and I’ve been getting good grades in my classes (all A’s except for a B in Calc II).

Calc II was easily the hardest class I’ve had so far and I studied more for that class than I have ever in my whole life.

[calebscottalons]

I don't think this is talked about enough with pure mathematics undergrads. It's slightly demoralizing at first to be working upwards of 40 hours a week just to barely keep up with a 3-hr course. I remember the first time I jumped from an applied Calculus track to a rigorous course in Groups, Rings, and Fields. I hadn't even taken an introductory proof course or even set theory at that point, so the learning curve was astronomically steep. You definitely can get a lot of concerned looks and make a lot of sacrifices to get the most out of those courses. I've talked to a lot of different students, and no matter who you talk to, everyone has got that ONE course that was just a warzone. However, the mathematical maturity that gradually develops in the process of the grind is faithful to follow...I think there should be a disclaimer on various courses that says: "If you think you have time for life balance, think again."

[thomasjefferson]

My summer vacation with ny family in Italy is going on now. My wife doesn't understand why I prioritize studying in the mornings while here.

I understand this video very much. I'm

[nikolagolis]

Thank you for one more inspiring video. I am starting university in August (math major), and I am currently going through calculus and linear algebra to be as prepared as possible to achieve high results. I dedicate several hours of the day to studying, motivated by the amount of course material I am able to get done in a certain timeframe.

[khana.]

You making these videos makes me feel like I'm not alone on this journey. My area of interest isn't math, but your words still apply.

[guitaristxcore]

I am in the situation that I am returning to college to earn a degree in mathematics to become a teacher. I am spending so much time studying math in order to get ahead of my classes so that I don't encounter any nasty surprises during a semester.

It's hard, people around me find it annoying that I spend so much of time doing this rather than hanging out with them.

I can't help that. I have a goal I want to accomplish, and anything that is not a part of accomplishing that goal is going to have to wait.

[davien]

Thank you, I needed this, I spend most of my time learning web development. I'm Nigerian so I have to go the extra mile to get courses, books and practice. I have also experienced the joy and reward of foregoing present social interactions for ones passion/project.

[mrgms]

I always tell myself while practicing: "If working hard hurts, I am doing something right". This pushed me past Calc II as somebody who will just enter college in just a couple of weeks.

[perkinsdearborn]

I go through low and high productive periods. During the slow progress periods, I dabble with the challenging subject material. During these low periods, progress slows or even stalls. Anxiety and frustration might grow during these slow periods. Then, I get into a high productivity period when my understanding improves and the progress flows smoothly. During Advanced Calculus, I struggled for the first few weeks. Then, something clicked. And I was able to get through a lot of hard topics very quickly. I did 7 weeks of work in a few hours. My persistence during the slow period set me up and gave me a deeper understanding that translated into fast progress. Those few hours of intensity were not sustainable.

[renu]

I completed my undergraduation in 2020 Maths major ...but i found few subjects difficult like real analysis.. so i discontinued studies ... Its been a year watching your videos and i feel to do my masters in Mathematics after 3 years ... I will do my best ...as my love for Mathematics is still same as before .. So thanks for motivating all the students by your channel .. keep making such videos .. 🙂

[leslieclaire]

I’m a retiree learning Spanish and find your insights/opinions/experiences very valuable. After I listen to you, I feel empowered and motivated! 😊 Thank you!

[ColeSaltzgaver]

i’m going into calc 3 next semester and i couldn’t agree more with your statements. I find you super inspirational to keep on going! Thank you so much!

[merula.esther]

Thank you for this video ❤! I was quite good at math and physics when I was younger, but later in life I simply didn’t need it anymore. I have been thinking about doing some studying at home, and I even bought some books, but I have been too scared to start again for fear of failing hard at it as an adult. Getting this video in my recommended might actually push me over the edge, to get started again 🙏!

[vinicius]

I'm just in this moment of my mathematical life. This period is the second semester of my PhD in applied math, I have faced tough moments with math before, but I have always managed to overcome them. Now, after watching this video, I feel even more convinced that it's time to take my understanding to the next level. This video confirms what I must do.