The author shares his personal journey of discovering a passion for mathematics, despite initially struggling with the subject in school. He argues that mathematics is not just about formulas and calculations, but a way of seeing the world and understanding patterns and relationships. The author highlights the concept of fractals, which are found in natural shapes such as rivers, trees, and clouds, and how they can be seen everywhere once you know what to look for. He also discusses the idea that humans are wired to see patterns and that mathematics is a fundamental part of the human experience. The author concludes by expressing his love for mathematics and encouraging others to see the beauty and importance of the subject.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator initially struggled with mathematics in school.
2. The narrator's favorite subjects in school were English and history.
3. The narrator's high school ranked students based on their mathematics class.
4. There is a shortage of mathematics educators in Australian schools.
5. The narrator was encouraged by a professor to change their teaching area to mathematics.
6. The narrator studied mathematics at university and discovered its practical and beautiful aspects.
7. Mathematics is not just about finding answers, but also about learning to ask the right questions.
8. Fractals are mathematical sets that exhibit self-similarity at different scales.
9. Fractals can be found in nature, such as in river deltas, trees, and lightning bolts.
10. The human body is made up of fractals, such as the blood vessels.
11. The narrator believes that all humans are wired to see patterns.
12. The universe is an orderly and patent cosmos.
13. Humans are good at making patterns, and people who do this well are called artists.
14. Islamic art and design often feature mathematical patterns.
15. Flowers exhibit a special kind of symmetry called rotational symmetry.
16. The golden ratio is a mathematical reality that can be found in nature and art.
17. The golden ratio is approximately equal to 137.5 degrees.
18. Sunflowers use the golden ratio in their pattern of growth.