Math spoke to my life
 |
Description
Book Introduction
"Seogamyeonggang": A famous lecture you can attend without going to Seoul National University.
Sharing the wisdom of the world through mathematical insights into our lives, where there are no right answers.
Mathematics is a language that penetrates the structure of the world!
Professor Choi Young-ki (Department of Mathematics Education, Seoul National University), the nation's leading mathematics educator,
The wisdom of the world through mathematical insights
Discover Korea's finest lectures in book form! The 40th volume in the "Seogamyeonggang" series, featuring carefully curated lectures by current Seoul National University faculty, has been published.
The Seoga Myunggang series, which transcribes the lectures of Seoul National University's top professors in various fields, including history, philosophy, science, medicine, and art, into books, provides readers with the expansion of knowledge and the joy of learning.
In "Mathematics Spoke to My Life," the author explores the resonance it has on various levels of our lives, focusing on the question, "Can we see the essence of life through the window of mathematics?"
Mathematics is often considered the 'study of correct answers,' but that is only superficial.
"Why? What happens? What's missing?" are the fundamental questions that mathematics poses.
The insight to capture simplicity in complexity, the flexible thinking to view a single problem from multiple perspectives, the courage to admit mistakes and try again—all of these are found in mathematics.
More important than problem solving is how we view the world through mathematics, understanding the philosophical and artistic nature of mathematics, and developing the ability to think more deeply and broadly to understand the essence of the world.
If we view the world through mathematics, we will realize that even when we lose our way or fail in life, that failure is a valuable process. We will open our eyes to the fact that mathematics is a lens through which we interpret life and a discipline of wisdom that provides a framework for thinking in a chaotic world.
Sharing the wisdom of the world through mathematical insights into our lives, where there are no right answers.
Mathematics is a language that penetrates the structure of the world!
Professor Choi Young-ki (Department of Mathematics Education, Seoul National University), the nation's leading mathematics educator,
The wisdom of the world through mathematical insights
Discover Korea's finest lectures in book form! The 40th volume in the "Seogamyeonggang" series, featuring carefully curated lectures by current Seoul National University faculty, has been published.
The Seoga Myunggang series, which transcribes the lectures of Seoul National University's top professors in various fields, including history, philosophy, science, medicine, and art, into books, provides readers with the expansion of knowledge and the joy of learning.
In "Mathematics Spoke to My Life," the author explores the resonance it has on various levels of our lives, focusing on the question, "Can we see the essence of life through the window of mathematics?"
Mathematics is often considered the 'study of correct answers,' but that is only superficial.
"Why? What happens? What's missing?" are the fundamental questions that mathematics poses.
The insight to capture simplicity in complexity, the flexible thinking to view a single problem from multiple perspectives, the courage to admit mistakes and try again—all of these are found in mathematics.
More important than problem solving is how we view the world through mathematics, understanding the philosophical and artistic nature of mathematics, and developing the ability to think more deeply and broadly to understand the essence of the world.
If we view the world through mathematics, we will realize that even when we lose our way or fail in life, that failure is a valuable process. We will open our eyes to the fact that mathematics is a lens through which we interpret life and a discipline of wisdom that provides a framework for thinking in a chaotic world.
- You can preview some of the book's contents.
Preview
index
Introduction: Mathematics is, in the end, a story about people.
Part 1: Mathematics as Wisdom for Life
Suspension Bridge - When the Balance of Life Shakes
Minority - Solitary but complete beings
Center of Gravity - A Value to Protect
Euler's Formula - What You Give Up Is What You Gain
Shortest distance - Find your destination
Fibonacci Numbers and Patterns - Sustainable Living
Von Neumann's Two Eyes - Confirm Your Intuition and Move Forward
Borromean Rings - I, Others, and Society
Q/A Part 2: Math that Makes Sense of Work
The formula of the egg - what can you use the formula for?
QED - The Illusion of Proof
The circumference of the Earth - small and subtle emotions
The Golden Ratio - Are Guidelines the Only Thing That Matters?
Irrational Numbers - Impossibility of Promises
The Barber's Paradox - Embracing Failure
Solomon Asch's Experiment - Every Opinion Was Once Strange
The Ultimate in Cooperation - Things You Can Only See
Q/A Ask and Answer
Part 3: Mathematics that Lead to Self-Growth
Polygonal Wheel - What is a Stereotype?
Resemblance - I see.
Therefore I exist
Numerical Harmony - Reason and Insight
Straight lines, planes, space - finding another way
Java and Compass - True Recognition
The Delos Problem - The Irony of Impossibility
Universal Rule - Beings with Homogeneity
The law of reductio ad absurdum - never easy
Q/A Ask and Answer
Mathematics that seeks to restore relationships in the fourth part
The Specialness of π - Life of Pi
The Secret of the Hexagon - Dreaming of a Coexistent Society
Bourbaki - Pursue the common good
Surface Area ÷ Volume - Between Humans and Nature
The Essence of Platonic Solids - Mathematical Order
Flat Thinking - What is True Understanding?
Statistics - just a language of interpretation
Möbius Strip - Are You Counting?
It's not math that's going out, it's you that's beautiful
Part 1: Mathematics as Wisdom for Life
Suspension Bridge - When the Balance of Life Shakes
Minority - Solitary but complete beings
Center of Gravity - A Value to Protect
Euler's Formula - What You Give Up Is What You Gain
Shortest distance - Find your destination
Fibonacci Numbers and Patterns - Sustainable Living
Von Neumann's Two Eyes - Confirm Your Intuition and Move Forward
Borromean Rings - I, Others, and Society
Q/A Part 2: Math that Makes Sense of Work
The formula of the egg - what can you use the formula for?
QED - The Illusion of Proof
The circumference of the Earth - small and subtle emotions
The Golden Ratio - Are Guidelines the Only Thing That Matters?
Irrational Numbers - Impossibility of Promises
The Barber's Paradox - Embracing Failure
Solomon Asch's Experiment - Every Opinion Was Once Strange
The Ultimate in Cooperation - Things You Can Only See
Q/A Ask and Answer
Part 3: Mathematics that Lead to Self-Growth
Polygonal Wheel - What is a Stereotype?
Resemblance - I see.
Therefore I exist
Numerical Harmony - Reason and Insight
Straight lines, planes, space - finding another way
Java and Compass - True Recognition
The Delos Problem - The Irony of Impossibility
Universal Rule - Beings with Homogeneity
The law of reductio ad absurdum - never easy
Q/A Ask and Answer
Mathematics that seeks to restore relationships in the fourth part
The Specialness of π - Life of Pi
The Secret of the Hexagon - Dreaming of a Coexistent Society
Bourbaki - Pursue the common good
Surface Area ÷ Volume - Between Humans and Nature
The Essence of Platonic Solids - Mathematical Order
Flat Thinking - What is True Understanding?
Statistics - just a language of interpretation
Möbius Strip - Are You Counting?
It's not math that's going out, it's you that's beautiful
Detailed image
Into the book
Mathematics is not just a collection of numbers and formulas.
It's a way of looking at life, a language we need to relate to our complex world, understand ourselves, and make better choices.
--- p.
From “Introduction | Mathematics is, in the end, a story about people”
Where do we place our center of gravity in life? Do we struggle to maintain our center of gravity like the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Do we strive to center our lives on what we value? And do we find contentment and peace within those values?
--- p.38 From “Part 1 | Mathematics as Wisdom for Life”
Even now, in many workplaces, innovative and valuable ideas that run counter to majority opinion may be ignored or even discarded.
This phenomenon stems from social pressure and results in the suppression of original thinking.
However, in this rapidly changing era, we need to strengthen our ability to think independently and make our own decisions without being swayed by majority opinion.
--- p.115 From “Part 2 | Mathematics as a Sense of Work”
This attitude of seeking beauty in mathematics reveals an important aspect of human nature.
Deep within us, humans harbor a yearning for perfection and harmony, and only when we look to it and pursue it do we reveal our noble essence.
So let's not put ourselves down.
What mathematics teaches us is that humans are inherently noble beings and that everyone possesses beauty.
I hope that by remembering this truth, you will affirm yourself and move forward toward a better tomorrow.
--- p.154 From “Part 3 | Mathematics that Leads to Self-Growth”
They decided to publish all their research results under the name of a fictional character called 'Nicolas Bourbaki' instead of their own names.
It was a decision to give up personal honor and pride and sacrifice for the common cause.
While most mathematicians typically publish their achievements under their own names, these mathematicians put aside their personal ambitions and worked together toward the grand goal of mathematics.
--- p.203 From "Part 4 | Mathematics in Pursuit of Restoration of Relationships"
Math is really fascinating.
The answer is set, but the paths to get there are infinitely varied.
As we walk that path, we come to know.
That's how life is.
As we live, there isn't always a right answer.
But the very journey of asking, thinking, and looking back provides meaningful answers.
If you're currently experiencing a complex and burdensome moment in life, I hope that one formula or one concept in this book will provide you with a moment of comfort, allowing you to pause and catch your breath.
It's a way of looking at life, a language we need to relate to our complex world, understand ourselves, and make better choices.
--- p.
From “Introduction | Mathematics is, in the end, a story about people”
Where do we place our center of gravity in life? Do we struggle to maintain our center of gravity like the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Do we strive to center our lives on what we value? And do we find contentment and peace within those values?
--- p.38 From “Part 1 | Mathematics as Wisdom for Life”
Even now, in many workplaces, innovative and valuable ideas that run counter to majority opinion may be ignored or even discarded.
This phenomenon stems from social pressure and results in the suppression of original thinking.
However, in this rapidly changing era, we need to strengthen our ability to think independently and make our own decisions without being swayed by majority opinion.
--- p.115 From “Part 2 | Mathematics as a Sense of Work”
This attitude of seeking beauty in mathematics reveals an important aspect of human nature.
Deep within us, humans harbor a yearning for perfection and harmony, and only when we look to it and pursue it do we reveal our noble essence.
So let's not put ourselves down.
What mathematics teaches us is that humans are inherently noble beings and that everyone possesses beauty.
I hope that by remembering this truth, you will affirm yourself and move forward toward a better tomorrow.
--- p.154 From “Part 3 | Mathematics that Leads to Self-Growth”
They decided to publish all their research results under the name of a fictional character called 'Nicolas Bourbaki' instead of their own names.
It was a decision to give up personal honor and pride and sacrifice for the common cause.
While most mathematicians typically publish their achievements under their own names, these mathematicians put aside their personal ambitions and worked together toward the grand goal of mathematics.
--- p.203 From "Part 4 | Mathematics in Pursuit of Restoration of Relationships"
Math is really fascinating.
The answer is set, but the paths to get there are infinitely varied.
As we walk that path, we come to know.
That's how life is.
As we live, there isn't always a right answer.
But the very journey of asking, thinking, and looking back provides meaningful answers.
If you're currently experiencing a complex and burdensome moment in life, I hope that one formula or one concept in this book will provide you with a moment of comfort, allowing you to pause and catch your breath.
--- p.228 From "Outgoing Writing | It's Not Math, It's You Who Are Beautiful"
Publisher's Review
“A life without right answers requires mathematics.”
Mathematical insights that explore the wisdom of life and the world
What is math to you? Some might say it's good because the answers are clear, while others might say it's a subject they studied under duress to prepare for college entrance exams.
Do we really understand mathematics? Mathematics isn't just about formulas and problem-solving for tests.
Mathematics is the discipline that questions and explores what essence is.
So when our lives become confusing and there are no right answers, we need math.
A catenary is a beautiful curve created by gravity.
It has also been studied in depth mathematically and is widely used in engineering to design bridges, piers, power lines, etc.
They are often seen in buildings, especially due to their high stability, and the form of catenary lines can be easily found on bridges and overpasses over rivers or seas.
The catenary wire forms a very stable structure because it effectively distributes the load by balancing the forces.
Balance is the fundamental principle of order and harmony.
We deeply feel the importance of balance in different areas of life, such as diet, values, and parenting.
In particular, a balance between work and personal life is essential above all else.
If this balance is lost, it can lead to workaholism, burnout, and even health problems.
What we should pursue is a harmonious balance in life that is neither excessive nor insufficient.
Just as a suspension bridge maintains a balance of force between gravity and tension, living life wisely requires a complete attitude that is not biased to either side.
This book is a compilation of mathematical stories that penetrate the essence of life and impart wisdom, written by Professor Choi Young-gi, who taught students in the Department of Mathematics Education at Seoul National University and served as the director of the Seoul National University Science Gifted Education Center, over the past 40 years with mathematics.
Based on this, Professor Choi Young-ki, who gave lectures at the Samsung Economic Research Institute SERI CEO for seven years starting in 2019 and received great response and inspiration, leads us as a 'mathematics guide' to deeply contemplate the question, "Can mathematics become a humane discipline in a life without right answers?"
This book looks into the essence of life through the window of mathematics and quietly speaks to the questions that lie within us.
Part 1 is about the wisdom of life, Part 2 is about the sense of work, Part 3 is about the growth of the self, and Part 4 is about the restoration of relationships, and it contains the value and deep resonance that mathematics gives to the layers of our lives.
The moment you close this book, you will never misunderstand mathematics again.
Because mathematics will be my guide in life.
“Mathematics is a language that clearly awakens us to the essence of life.”
Capturing the essence in complexity and seeing through the structure of the world
Mathematics is ultimately about people.
Mathematics stops us before the questions of life.
The beauty of mathematics, the elegant proofs, and the journey of thought leading to a single answer resemble the humanities' search for meaning in life.
The process of starting from axioms and proving everything is a metaphor for the journey of human existence between doubt and trust, contradiction and truth.
Mathematics may seem like a cold, emotionless language, but it leads us to fundamental questions like "What is important?" and "What should we believe?", providing opportunities for deeper self-reflection and fostering the ability to appreciate the meaning and beauty of life.
When we get lost or fail, mathematics allows us to see even that failure as a 'valuable process'.
Just as there is no single right answer in mathematics, life teaches us that there is not just one path.
The attitude of constantly learning, reasoning, and correcting in the process of trying to solve problems that are not correct or have incorrect proofs is the beneficial attitude that mathematics leaves us with in life.
This book will teach us how to think mathematically, and will provide us with wisdom and comfort through the essence of mathematics that we were previously unaware of.
Seoga Myunggang, a knowledge archive that adds sophistication and elegance to your life.
What if the general public could also attend and learn from the popular lectures taken by Seoul National University students?
★★★ It was great to be able to listen to lectures given by Seoul National University students!
★★★ It's like a gift to me who is tired of work life!
★★★ It was a study that was really necessary for living!
Seoga Myunggang (famous lectures you can listen to without going to Seoul National University) is a series of lectures from Seoul National University, the most prestigious university in Korea. It reconstructs the informative and interesting lectures of current Seoul National University professors and puts them into a book.
Since the summer of 2017, Seoul National University's top professors in their respective fields have been giving lectures on different topics every month under the name of "Seo Ga-myeong-gang." Each lecture drew an audience of approximately 100, who were deeply moved and enthralled by the feast of these renowned lectures.
Seogamaeunggang's diverse humanities content is available not only through books but also through live lectures and podcasts. It covers young and innovative topics, from popular lectures selected directly by Seoul National University students, to interdisciplinary lectures, and practical knowledge incorporating trends.
This program provides an opportunity for working professionals seeking to acquire general knowledge during their commute, young people exploring career paths, and all educated individuals in Korea who always harbor a passion for learning to easily watch, listen to, and learn from Korea's best lectures.
* Seo Ga-myeong-gang YouTube youtube.com/서가명강
Mathematical insights that explore the wisdom of life and the world
What is math to you? Some might say it's good because the answers are clear, while others might say it's a subject they studied under duress to prepare for college entrance exams.
Do we really understand mathematics? Mathematics isn't just about formulas and problem-solving for tests.
Mathematics is the discipline that questions and explores what essence is.
So when our lives become confusing and there are no right answers, we need math.
A catenary is a beautiful curve created by gravity.
It has also been studied in depth mathematically and is widely used in engineering to design bridges, piers, power lines, etc.
They are often seen in buildings, especially due to their high stability, and the form of catenary lines can be easily found on bridges and overpasses over rivers or seas.
The catenary wire forms a very stable structure because it effectively distributes the load by balancing the forces.
Balance is the fundamental principle of order and harmony.
We deeply feel the importance of balance in different areas of life, such as diet, values, and parenting.
In particular, a balance between work and personal life is essential above all else.
If this balance is lost, it can lead to workaholism, burnout, and even health problems.
What we should pursue is a harmonious balance in life that is neither excessive nor insufficient.
Just as a suspension bridge maintains a balance of force between gravity and tension, living life wisely requires a complete attitude that is not biased to either side.
This book is a compilation of mathematical stories that penetrate the essence of life and impart wisdom, written by Professor Choi Young-gi, who taught students in the Department of Mathematics Education at Seoul National University and served as the director of the Seoul National University Science Gifted Education Center, over the past 40 years with mathematics.
Based on this, Professor Choi Young-ki, who gave lectures at the Samsung Economic Research Institute SERI CEO for seven years starting in 2019 and received great response and inspiration, leads us as a 'mathematics guide' to deeply contemplate the question, "Can mathematics become a humane discipline in a life without right answers?"
This book looks into the essence of life through the window of mathematics and quietly speaks to the questions that lie within us.
Part 1 is about the wisdom of life, Part 2 is about the sense of work, Part 3 is about the growth of the self, and Part 4 is about the restoration of relationships, and it contains the value and deep resonance that mathematics gives to the layers of our lives.
The moment you close this book, you will never misunderstand mathematics again.
Because mathematics will be my guide in life.
“Mathematics is a language that clearly awakens us to the essence of life.”
Capturing the essence in complexity and seeing through the structure of the world
Mathematics is ultimately about people.
Mathematics stops us before the questions of life.
The beauty of mathematics, the elegant proofs, and the journey of thought leading to a single answer resemble the humanities' search for meaning in life.
The process of starting from axioms and proving everything is a metaphor for the journey of human existence between doubt and trust, contradiction and truth.
Mathematics may seem like a cold, emotionless language, but it leads us to fundamental questions like "What is important?" and "What should we believe?", providing opportunities for deeper self-reflection and fostering the ability to appreciate the meaning and beauty of life.
When we get lost or fail, mathematics allows us to see even that failure as a 'valuable process'.
Just as there is no single right answer in mathematics, life teaches us that there is not just one path.
The attitude of constantly learning, reasoning, and correcting in the process of trying to solve problems that are not correct or have incorrect proofs is the beneficial attitude that mathematics leaves us with in life.
This book will teach us how to think mathematically, and will provide us with wisdom and comfort through the essence of mathematics that we were previously unaware of.
Seoga Myunggang, a knowledge archive that adds sophistication and elegance to your life.
What if the general public could also attend and learn from the popular lectures taken by Seoul National University students?
★★★ It was great to be able to listen to lectures given by Seoul National University students!
★★★ It's like a gift to me who is tired of work life!
★★★ It was a study that was really necessary for living!
Seoga Myunggang (famous lectures you can listen to without going to Seoul National University) is a series of lectures from Seoul National University, the most prestigious university in Korea. It reconstructs the informative and interesting lectures of current Seoul National University professors and puts them into a book.
Since the summer of 2017, Seoul National University's top professors in their respective fields have been giving lectures on different topics every month under the name of "Seo Ga-myeong-gang." Each lecture drew an audience of approximately 100, who were deeply moved and enthralled by the feast of these renowned lectures.
Seogamaeunggang's diverse humanities content is available not only through books but also through live lectures and podcasts. It covers young and innovative topics, from popular lectures selected directly by Seoul National University students, to interdisciplinary lectures, and practical knowledge incorporating trends.
This program provides an opportunity for working professionals seeking to acquire general knowledge during their commute, young people exploring career paths, and all educated individuals in Korea who always harbor a passion for learning to easily watch, listen to, and learn from Korea's best lectures.
* Seo Ga-myeong-gang YouTube youtube.com/서가명강
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Date of issue: July 16, 2025
- Page count, weight, size: 232 pages | 128*188*20mm
- ISBN13: 9791173573941
- ISBN10: 1173573941
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