This book is different from most other books for the
mathematics layman. It is a very tangible and personal journey of the author
from the 1930’s to end of the 20 century. In general I found it a very readable
book on mathematics as well as mathematics education. There is also philosophy
discussions in the book.
The author is a professional mathematician who gives his
personal experience and what it means to be a mathematician with his travels to
various countries.
The author discuss some really important questions such as the
future role of mathematics and it applications. Also he reflects back at how
mathematics has affected all of us in the past.
The last chapter describes the authors’ talk at the ‘The
International Congress of Mathematicians’ in August 1998 given in Berlin. I
really like this chapter with subheading such as Male vs Female Mathematics and
Soft Mathematics vs Traditional Mathematics.
My only reservation is that it was hard to follow in places as
the author is also a philosopher.
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