Twitter: I want to get better at maths, to make up for lost time in college. Who/what should I read?
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Replying to @tommycollison
The best way to learn mathematics is from its greatest masters. Begin with a sophisticated guided tour of their principal achievements, and then dig deeper, aiming to learn as much as you can of their private heuristics and inspirations. Start here: https://amzn.to/2Sco3PB
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Replying to @MathPrinceps @tommycollison
It's a mistake to think of the project before you as one of knowledge acquisition. Your goal should rather be to learn to think and act in the manner of a mathematician. For this purpose, the most valuable instruction is the most revealing. E.g.: https://amzn.to/2Sn9qsw
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Replying to @MathPrinceps @tommycollison
Above all, what you want is practical, hands-on experience of genuine mathematical investigative activity -- you learn this art by doing. Here are some especially good places to get started: https://amzn.to/2G0MoC8 / https://amzn.to/2BezOLD / https://amzn.to/2RzRTJu
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Replying to @MathPrinceps @tommycollison
Two more wonderful books to inspire and encourage a beginner: https://amzn.to/2CZce5x and https://amzn.to/2Boon4b The first of these gives a systematic, step-by-step introduction to some very deep and beautiful mathematics; the second is a brilliant ramble, abounding in marvels.
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Replying to @MathPrinceps @tommycollison
Good luck, and be patient and gutsy. Mathematics is deep, vast, and subtle, and even the greatest geniuses in human history have had to work hard to master it. Expect to struggle, but insist on seeing the fascination of the art. It's there, and you should never lose sight of it.
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A postscript: I recommend these four superb books. Each provides a relatively brief, ahistorical account of mathematics, aimed at beginners. Wells and Sawyer are especially good. https://amzn.to/2SmlFWn / https://amzn.to/2sYDWLf / https://amzn.to/2Sone64 / https://amzn.to/2DNsMiq
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