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Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners

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Re: Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners

#5

Post by commandlinefan »

billfruit wrote: post #3

Many of the list are pop-maths rather than fundamental texts. I do see many in software field recommend Chrystal:Algebra an Elementary Textbook. I also find Don Knuth, 'Concrete Mathematics' a interesting book for software people.

I came to a realization years ago that when it comes to math/science/computers, if I just read about it, I’m not really learning anything. I don’t learn unless I’m participating. Math books without _lots_ of exercises probably don’t really impart that much, although they can be a fun distraction if you need something to read on an airplane.

Re: Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners

#6

Post by mymythisisthis »

billfruit wrote: post #3

Many of the list are pop-maths rather than fundamental texts. I do see many in software field recommend Chrystal:Algebra an Elementary Textbook. I also find Don Knuth, 'Concrete Mathematics' a interesting book for software people.

Any good recommendations on books that are more than pop-fluff but lighter than an academic text?

Re: Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners

#7

Post by arvinsim »

commandlinefan wrote: post #5
billfruit wrote: post #3

Many of the list are pop-maths rather than fundamental texts. I do see many in software field recommend Chrystal:Algebra an Elementary Textbook. I also find Don Knuth, 'Concrete Mathematics' a interesting book for software people.

I came to a realization years ago that when it comes to math/science/computers, if I just read about it, I’m not really learning anything. I don’t learn unless I’m participating. Math books without _lots_ of exercises probably don’t really impart that much, although they can be a fun distraction if you need something to read on an airplane.

I agree. Some things only stick by repeated application. This becomes more relevant the one older gets.

Re: Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners

#8

Post by tyler- »

mymythisisthis wrote: post #6
billfruit wrote: post #3

Many of the list are pop-maths rather than fundamental texts. I do see many in software field recommend Chrystal:Algebra an Elementary Textbook. I also find Don Knuth, 'Concrete Mathematics' a interesting book for software people.

Any good recommendations on books that are more than pop-fluff but lighter than an academic text?

I like this book: https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Symmetry-Exposing-Patterns-N...

Re: Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners

#9

Post by okl »

billfruit wrote: post #3

Many of the list are pop-maths rather than fundamental texts. I do see many in software field recommend Chrystal:Algebra an Elementary Textbook. I also find Don Knuth, 'Concrete Mathematics' a interesting book for software people.

Would also recommend 'Surreal Numbers' by Don Knut hand 'The Book of Numbers' by Conway and Guy.

Re: Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners

#10

Post by bgutierrez »

mymythisisthis wrote: post #6
billfruit wrote: post #3

Many of the list are pop-maths rather than fundamental texts. I do see many in software field recommend Chrystal:Algebra an Elementary Textbook. I also find Don Knuth, 'Concrete Mathematics' a interesting book for software people.

Any good recommendations on books that are more than pop-fluff but lighter than an academic text?

I really liked Introduction to Graph Theory by Trudeau. No upper level math required, but it got rigorous and fun at times. Mostly spatial reasoning.

David Foster Wallace wrote Everything and More which included a lot of math history, while driving into transfinite numbers and set theory. Kindle typesetting is generally terrible for math, but was completely readable in this case. The forward by Neal Stephenson really sets the mood.

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