Why Do You Like Math?

[Kernel Sohcahtoa]

For me at least, I like the fact that it humbles me: there's so much mathematical knowledge and it's just awesome to know that there will always be problems that challenge people of all skill levels; even the best mathematicians encounter problems that knock them on their rear-ends and rock their world.

So, AF members and anyone else, why do you like math? Also, please feel free to share your lack of interest or dislike for math too.  Thanks.

[GrandizerII]

I like maths because numbers are way less ambiguous within certain contexts than words could ever be.

I like maths because the answers are usually going to either be correct or incorrect, and often no shades of gray in between.

I like maths because I know I have the potential to master all aspects of mathematics given enough time. It will never make me feel like I will always suck at anything to do with maths (as is the case with writing literature reviews and theses in psychology or whatever).

Playing with numbers in complex and fascinating ways is like a really fun game to me. I get to cheer for myself whenever I'm solving a really challenging math problem and then arrive at the correct answer(s) after dedicating time and effort into solving it.

That's all I can think of right now, but maths is fun. That's all.

[robvalue]

It's logical. It's exact. It's not subjective. It's fundamental.

I'm good at it

[account_inactive]

I'm not exactly the biggest fan of it, to be honest.

[Macoleco]

"Rise above yourself and grasp the world"

Math is the most pure and fundamental science we have to understand the world, and it is objective.

Multiple mathematicians around the world have developed the same theories without ever knowing each other.

Nonetheless, I dont consider myself to have the skills required to develope mathematics, which is why I prefer engineering. In order to create palpable objects-

[robvalue]

I'd say it is a tool for doing science, rather than a science itself. Mathematics need not have anything to do with reality.

[Alex K]

It's shown me some of the most beautiful, aesthetic things I've ever seen, especially in differential geometry, and finding elegant proofs can be at its best an almost spiritual experience.

It is also the art of working out the essence of a concept and stripping away all the unnecessary details. My favorite example is how one can generalize the definition of a continuous function without even requiring a means to measure the distance between the elements of the space.

[SteelCurtain]

I love it for most of the reasons stated above.

But I would be lying if there wasn't a little bit of ego in being awesome at maths and everyone around you knowing it.

[Kernel Sohcahtoa]

"Rise above yourself and grasp the world"

Math is the most pure and fundamental science we have to understand the world, and it is objective.

Multiple mathematicians around the world have developed the same theories without ever knowing each other.

Well said, sir.

Nonetheless, I dont consider myself to have the skills required to develope mathematics, which is why I prefer engineering. In order to create palpable objects-

 I'd say this also pertains to me. While mathematical theory is fascinating to me, I lack the imagination and ingenuity to create math.  Hence, if I did pursue a career that called upon math, then it would have to be a field where math could be practically applied, such as engineering or the like.

[Longhorn]

I... I just think it's kinda fun. It gives me a tiny brain orgasm when I arrive at natural numbers.