Bill Thurston said:
It's a deep problem--- I think we loose a lot by having misguided teaching of mathematics---but it's a shallow article.
But it ends on a redeeming note: But the best defense - the first to get beyond the utilitarian argument - came from a certain Miss Collins. She is my daughter's math teacher[....] "What we do isn't exactly what mathematicians do," she explained. "And I know more alums here become artists than become mathematicians. But kids don't study poetry just because they're going to grow up to be poets. It's about a habit of mind. Your mind doesn't think abstractly unless it's asked to - and it needs to be asked to from a relatively young age. The rigor and logic that goes into math is a good way for your brain to be trained." He doesn't explore the theme, but at least it makes an appearance. --Michael -- It is very dark and after 2000. If you continue you are likely to be eaten by a bleen.