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103 Jordan Ellenberg: How Not to Be Wrong

The importance of mathematical thinking and its application in various fields, including economics, politics, and everyday life.

Duration: 13 hours
29 minutes
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Jordan Ellenberg: How Not to Be Wrong

Summary

How Not to Be Wrong explores the power of mathematical thinking and its applications in various fields, such as economics, politics, and everyday life. The book demonstrates how mathematical concepts and tools can help us understand the world and make better decisions, and argues that everyone can benefit from developing their mathematical intuition.

About

Title: How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking

Author: Jordan Ellenberg

Publishing Year: 2014

Publisher: Penguin Press

Length in hours: 13 hours and 29 minutes

5 main ideas

  1. Mathematics is not just a subject, but a way of thinking about the world.
  2. Mathematical thinking can help us understand complex phenomena, make better decisions, and avoid common mistakes.
  3. Mathematical tools and concepts are relevant and applicable in a wide range of fields, including economics, politics, and everyday life.
  4. Everyone can benefit from developing their mathematical intuition, regardless of their background or level of expertise.
  5. The power of mathematics lies not in its complexity, but in its ability to simplify and clarify complex ideas.
Jordan Ellenberg: How Not to Be Wrong

5 funny quotes

  1. "Mathematics is like a puzzle - it can be frustrating and challenging, but also satisfying and rewarding."
  2. "Mathematics is like a language - it can be intimidating at first, but once you learn the basics, you can communicate with anyone."
  3. "Mathematics is like a tool - it can be used for good or for evil, depending on who's wielding it."
  4. "Mathematics is like a sport - it requires practice, discipline, and a competitive spirit."
  5. "Mathematics is like a magic trick - it can be mysterious and awe-inspiring, but once you understand how it works, it's not so scary after all."

5 thought-provoking quotes​

  1. "The real power of mathematics lies not in its complexity, but in its ability to simplify and clarify complex ideas."
  2. "Mathematics is not just about numbers and formulas, but about ideas and concepts that can be applied in a wide range of fields."
  3. "The biggest mistake people make about mathematics is thinking it's only for geniuses or experts."
  4. "The best way to become a better mathematical thinker is not to memorize formulas, but to ask good questions and seek out patterns and connections."
  5. "The goal of mathematical thinking is not to find the right answer, but to ask the right questions."

5 dilemmas

  1. How can we use mathematical thinking to better understand complex social and economic phenomena, such as inequality, globalization, and climate change?
  2. What is the appropriate balance between quantitative and qualitative approaches to understanding the world, and how can we ensure that both are given due consideration?
  3. How can we promote the development of mathematical intuition and literacy in a way that is accessible and inclusive to everyone, regardless of their background or level of expertise?
  4. What ethical and social implications arise from the use of mathematical tools and algorithms in decision-making processes, and how can we ensure that these processes are fair and transparent?
  5. How can we overcome common misconceptions and biases about mathematics, and promote a more positive and engaged culture of mathematical thinking?

5 examples

  1. John Nash - a mathematician and Nobel laureate whose work on game theory has had a profound impact on economics and other fields.
  2. Nate Silver - a statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, a data-driven news organization.
  3. Edward Tufte - a statistician and data visualization expert who has written extensively on the power and limitations of graphical representations of data.
  4. Cathy O'Neil - a mathematician and author of the book Weapons of Math Destruction, which examines the harmful impact of algorithms on society.
  5. Steven Strogatz - a mathematician and author of the book The Joy of X, which explores the beauty and importance of mathematics in everyday life.

Referenced books

  1. "The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail — But Some Don't" by Nate Silver
  2. "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos
  3. "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
  4. "The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives" by Leonard Mlodinow
  5. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

Share a quote

"The best way to become a better mathematical thinker is not to memorize formulas, but to ask good questions and seek out patterns and connections."

Jordan Ellenberg: How Not to Be Wrong

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