I’m a self learner aged 70 - I feel wonderful having spent 1 hour per day studying maths. You are a super teacher Wizard thank you for your words of wisdom.
In my experience, "embrace the challenge" is probably the biggest thing that people have difficulty with, yet it's the one which usually leads to the most success. This is because it helps to change your mindset about what you find hard - and then it stops being hard, it starts becoming "enjoyably" hard, so you stick to it and eventually solve it. As Albert Einstein said "It's not that I'm so smart, it's that I just stay with the problem longer".
Einstein was just being modest. Einstein was definitely more intelligent than most physicists or people in general. I’m sure others have been just as persistent as he was and not been nearly as successful. That doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to be said about his work ethic but his intelligence shouldn’t be discounted. I don’t think this is necessarily what you were saying, but the idea that you can be like Einstein with the right work ethic is bound to lead to disappointment for most people. If you take inspiration from these giants with just the goal of improving yourself that’s perfectly fine however and an admirable thing to do.
That’s something I’ve been working on myself. When it comes to working out for instance, I’ve been pushing the distance I run further and further and I try to embrace the pain of it, like this is the point where I’m stretching myself and conquering new ground
@@jacobharris5894 Well put. Einstein was a singular genius who approached problems of his day differently than others. Initially, when considering a problem, his thoughts were not verbal or numerical expressions of the concepts but more the actual physical forces within reference frames, and the agents involved, spatial orientations, temporal factors, etc., extremely abstract for the times, such that putting them into numerical terms, articulating his conceptualization are what give him a transcendent quality beyond others.
Yeah like he is the best math teacher ever I feel like this person is saving math from being forgotten. I really love you math sorcerer and I appreciate your work.
I would like to add a 9th: Teaching. Putting yourself in a position where you get to teach someone the thing you're learning forces you to break down concepts into their most raw form. Doing this will, in turn, deepen your understanding of whatever it is you're learning. And as he said, the stronger your basics/base, the stronger the architecture can be that's built on top of it, ultimately furthering your genius.
Yes, my math teacher always do this thing for students. He will teach one student and then that student should teach the same topic to the other. In this way I never forget the concept.
Guys something I can recommend is staying away from phones. You probably hear this everywhere but dont take it seriously like me but it really does make a difference. When I didnt have a phone I used to take information in really fast and have a time to think about things and solve them but I noticed after having a phone that I started using it as a scapegoat to run away from my problems and get addicted to it.
I deleted my Instagram a couple months ago and i used to think I will just keep going back. Honestly I haven't felt it's absence since the week after I quit.
When I was confused trying to solve a math problem one day, I realized that the cause of my confusion was that I wasn't clearly focused on what it was that I wanted to find. It really helps to stop and get clear in your mind exactly what is being asked. Define the question. I've used this technique ever since, and it works.
@@Solitary_Observer sometimes there are really some easy problems but when I try to solve them I just get stressed for not knowing the answer before even trying!
Love it. I use this method of ‘defining the question’ in everyday conversation when ideas are thrown at me. Or if it’s unclear I know what questions to ask so I’m clear on what’s being asked. Very effective approach to use in many aspects of life.
These are the steps I followed for the past painfully long 4 years, in order to study and learn German (especially German grammar) -- and it's finally paying off (reached B2). Had I not needed to work to stay alive, it would've taken me 1 or 2 years. Because unlike other languages, German requires you to study it like someone who has to study physics and chemistry textbooks AND actually do the practices, and majors in a STEM field, just to be able to effectively communicate. I'm not great at maths or sciences, so I know how boring they can be, however, learning German made me interested in sciences and maths. (I'm a softwaree developer by trade, so this also applies here too.) What seems impossible is often achievable through planned, hard work and endless boredom, and that's coming from someone who is passionate about foreign languages. And I'm far from a genius, just ask my friends and family. People say I'm smart for knowing different languages, but that's unfair, because it shadows over all the pain and hard work and sacrifices I had to make to get there. Work hard, and smart while equipped with curiosity to embrace the grind.
I recently started reading this book by Marcus Du Sautoy called “Thinking better” The Art of the shortcut in math and life. Which is that. He proves that math/problem solving correlates into the rest of your life and how you move through it. Excellent concept! I was horrible at math which ultimately kept me from going to college. The anxiety made me believe it wasn’t for me. In my last year of high school I was failing pretty bad and was told by my principle I needed to just drop out and get a GED. It got to me cuz I knew deep down I was intelligent. I went to my math teacher and ask her if I she could help me and stayed everyday after school determined to get it. The day came when I got it and that feeling was priceless! I ended up Acing my math test and getting my average up to a 98 somehow. Graduated and my principal was shocked to see my name when calling me up to accept my diploma. I had a grin on my face and I bet he’ll never forget me lol. Takes time and perseverance! It’s possible to eventually love mathematics.
“Embrace the struggle”. I have had the tendency to put a lot of pressure on myself in the past. This increased the frustration and anxiety. Then I started approaching it with a playful attitude. I’m going the play around with this. I’m going to experiment with it. I’m going to have fun with it. That has made a huge difference for me. The other thing is one you mentioned. Take breaks. When you start feeling frustrated and angry, take a break. Go do something different. Take your conscious mind off the problem. Return to it when you are relaxed and refreshed. Many times, I’ve discovered something at that time that was starring me in the face all that time. I couldn’t see it in my earlier mental and emotional state.
One thing I noticed about successful people is they don't give up. They keep going until they've solved the problem or exhausted the problem's search space. It will help if you can cultivate the mindset that giving up is not an option.
5:17 That's true. It is hard to embrace the challenge when you have the pressure of grades. Our society values the grades more than learning, and when the pressure to get as close to a 4.0 as possible is very real to be competitive for jobs then learning and understanding can take a backseat. That's when you get students doing just enough to get a good grade on the test, and then they forget the material. The students, employers, and society suffers. These days most learning is done outside of school, and school is just for the grade and recognition.
1. learn the basics 2. practice!!! it's also about how you practice and how you use your time 3. break down things into steps 4. embrace the struggle of learning. it's not supposed to be easy! 5. seek help! join study groups, talk to your professor 6. incorporate the subject in the real world 7. have study habits! try to have a time and a place to study every single day 8. stay persistant. if you skip study days make sure to always come back and try again
I'm applying some tips though I am 59. Learning never stops. Thanks for your wise ideas. One tip I would like to give is to write a lot and keep recalling whatever learnt.
Thanks, sorcerer, I have pretty much used your advice through my now 41 year long career. Persistence is essential. I'd add flexibility to your list of recommendations. When a problem looks too hard to tackle, one may be tackling it from the wrong side. It is then time step back, pause, put it maybe in a broader context, possibly reformulating it. (There is no right answer to a wrong question.) One strategy I found useful for new problems was to delay working on them. I studied the question and allowed it to macerate in my head for days or weeks while working on something else. In the meantime I freely (no stress) daydreamt about it. By the time I actively started on it, many things had become clearer with almost no effort.
One thing that helps me with staying focused and disciplined is keeping a precise log of my activity. I find it very beneficial to be extremely scrutinizing with reporting everything that I do in a log. This log enables me to have a greater perspective on where my energy is being used and how I can improve the efficiency of my energy management. This will cure your ADHD if you follow it perfectly. You must log every single thing you do with great detail for it to be effective. It will also be very rewarding for your brain to log these things down as you gain more and more clarity over your energy expenditure. My log uses this format: Start time: Subject: Stop time: 2:33pm Replied to Mark 2:33pm 2:34pm Worked on music 3:25pm 3:26pm Took a poop and emailed people 3:33pm Etc. Give it a go.
Great tips! I especially like the idea of "embracing the struggle". A while ago, I learned about the concept of cognitive load, which is basically that feeling of struggling to grasp something mentally. I liken it to hard reps in strength-training. It is those hard reps that signal your mind and body that it needs to grow stronger.
Listen to David Goggins. Nothing worthwhile is going to be accomplished nice and comfy on your sofa with no stress. Know that the road to success travels through the sewer before you get there.
@@joeking6972 As Mohammad Ali said, "I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count. That's what makes you a champion."
Don’t forget a sense of curiosity, and a purpose. It’s great to learn things, but so much more satisfying when that knowledge scratches an itch and serves a larger project
I am 23 years old and I've always had the belief that I will never get math or any other exact science yet I was drooling over them. I read a lot, and I think (not sure yet) I am smart enough to understand that I know very little about this world. I've decided to challenge myself with math, I promised myself that I will be very patient. I want to discipline my mind. This is my first video of you, and, oh my God, you are so simple and still so "beautiful" in your Being, don't know exact words. And it's contagious. I can feel my dopamine rising just looking at you and listening to you. Thank you!
One very important other tip for learning math is read a lot (and different topics). The more you know the easier it is to get an understanding of complicated topics. The best mathematicians who are working in analysis still know the basics of algebraic geometry. For this you need to know the basics really well. You need to learn to get the important information and ideas out of a text without having read all the details. This increases your reading speed a lot. Always try to understand the same thing in multiple ways. For example there might be an algebraic and a geometric way to think about the same problem. Try to solve the problem both ways. You will see that one side might be way easier than the other side. Don‘t just try to solve a problem, but try to really understand what is going on, or why it is true. After proving something try to find an easier proof, or a more constructive one, or maybe one which is more structural. If you struggle with a hard problem always try to reduce the complexity of the problem further and further until you can understand what is going on. This can either be done by considering increasingly easier examples or by adding more assumptions. Often the most important aspect or the general structure can be seen on this level, but is not clouded by the general complexity of the situation. (I feel like this gets more important on research level). This method can also be used to find new surprising phenomena and conjectures. Try to lay out a plan if you‘re proving something. Use intuitive arguments why something should (roughly) be true. Do that until you get to the solution. Now you have a rough outline of the proof (a proof idea). Next, try to fill out the details of each step.
After watching your videos and learning from your lecture videos my appreciation for MATH and PHYSICS has increased drastically. The work that you are doing is unparalleled. Thanks a lot sir🙏
Seeking help is so big, and it's very difficult to find the right person, and then to set up time, and then to make sure that the time you're spending is useful. But if all that aligns, it can be more helpful than anything else.
Your point #1 is the key to learning all subject matter. I'm a senior citizen and my motto is "'Never stop learning!" Your point #6 iis another great concept/practice. Putting math to practical use in ordinary everyday life. I use that when shopping ALL the time to determine when and where the best shopping choice is. The "sale" item is NOT always the best deal!
This is the second video of yours Ive seen and I really love what you have to say, how straight forward you are. The basics reminds me of a college math teacher. She told us she used to hate math but because she emigrated to the US and had to take some of the same classes over again in school it instilled the fundamentals, and once she had a real understanding she loved math. The rest is history.
We are so lucky to have such a teacher like you. Although a lot of these tips seem simple, hearing it from another person who has so much more life experience than me always motivates me to do better in my life in university. Thank you so much for this video
Thanks prof, in my experience, I am nearing 60 years but mathematics is my passion. I never tire from math. As a trained engineer I always find some new math that is waiting to be explored by me. Mathematics is one area which I always have some energy reserved for.
Sir please read this if u get time Sir ,i am 16 .im watching u for the first time.I felt more connected when u shared ur life experience as a student when u burned out and having not so good study habits despite u r a genious and humble person.I am in my burnout moment where i really dont feel studying.But somehow ur video is soo relatable that i really felt these advices are completely formed for me,as i am feeling pretty dumb and numb at the same time.Plz give more videos sir for people like me who have the hope to become genious one day and just come out of their fear for new things just because of our thought.God bless u.❤
I really like how you mentioned that learning the basics has such a great importance. This is true when learning martial arts as well. If anyone wants my opinion, basics also take a lot of patience.
The part about embracing really struck a chord with me. For a long time i struggled with math, i dossed a lot early on in high school and it took some time to catch up. I've recently come to find that I'm not as bad as I think i am (im just a bit slow on uptake) but I've found through just applying math learning to projects im working on and just sitting around thinking about topics, the insight and links between topics make more sense and ive learned to embrace the journey as a life long goal rather than a short term one.
I applied these principles to my journey in computer science: #Fundamentals - I made sure to grasp the foundational concepts accurately. Many individuals overlook these basics, rushing into complex topics only to falter later. Investing time in mastering fundamentals paved the way for easier comprehension of advanced subjects. Years dedicated to mastering the basics saved me from struggling for decades while still sounding inexperienced. #Practice - As the adage goes, "You can't excel in computer science by mere contemplation." Active engagement with code and projects, guided by a virtual metronome of consistency, was essential. Philosophy alone wouldn't suffice; practical implementation was key. #Deconstruction - I realized that intricate concepts are often just amalgamations of the basics. Breaking down complex problems into their fundamental components, which I had already mastered, empowered me to tackle any challenge, provided I invested ample time. #Embrace Challenges - Similar to mastering a musical piece, if I couldn't understand a coding concept initially, I persevered until I could. This discomfort zone became my most fertile ground for learning, where trial, error, and growth intertwined. Seek Guidance - Recognizing that my approach might be skewed, I reached out to those I admired in the field. Sometimes, my attachment was to their approach rather than the individuals themselves. Seeking their advice untangled my misconceptions and refined my learning path. #Real-world Application - In programming, like on stage, the real test is practical application. Engaging with actual projects exposed what truly mattered and what didn't. Focusing excessively on the beginning stages of coding a program proved futile when I realized I hadn't mastered its conclusion. #Study Strategy - Translating real-world insights into a structured learning regimen proved crucial. I formulated a practice routine that targeted my weaknesses, rather than indulging in hours of half-hearted engagement with my strengths. Just as 15 minutes devoted to addressing a coding blind spot was more productive than hours of distracted practice. #Persistence - The mantra "It takes time" echoed through my journey. If computer science were simple, its value would diminish. Learning from the experiences of successful coders, I understood the significance of patience and gradual growth. Trying to rush the process only prolonged the journey, leaving me struggling instead of thriving.
People have some really good ideas in these comments. As someone finishing up their undergrad studying electrical engineering and physics, I think the thing that helped me most was positive associations with studying. There’s many things that go into this but if you’re about to self-study a subject but don’t have the most positive associations studying, dive into something that you think about at random times of day because it is so interesting to you. In the long term, studying something deeply takes some really hard work (I’m attempting to self-study math at the moment), but it’s no shame if the beginning of your self-study journey feels like entertainment. I feel no shame beginning my self-study journey by just watching RUclips videos that fascinate me. Once I’ve developed positive associations with the material, I then lean into the difficulties (like reading and doing problems) a little more. Let me know if anyone agrees / has anything to add to this!
i totally agree with this! it works well when you're new to it so creating those positive associations does drive you into going deeper on the subject at hand. that's how i got into a level physics, chemistry and math
I started learning Spanish because I thought I might need it for work- so I tried to make a game of it using Duolingo, then added in learning folk songs, then added poetry , then dance , then movies. So much more is available now. When I was in high school, it was just workbooks, memorization of conversations and repetition. I still remember those sentences to this day😂 Ou se trouve ma chemise bleu? Oui, Maman! Dinons en ville!
@@LilyGazou yes I love that concept of making a game out of it! Whatever makes something seem like fun I feel works so well! And it’s so much easier to make things fun now without just trudging through textbooks and colorless documents
It's been about 25 years since I was in high school, but my brother was an engineer, and so was my dad. Everything he said is something my dad taught me. I'm going back to math and watched this to see if there was anything else to apply while studying. I am giving this video full marks. The exception is rule 6: My dad didn't bother with toilet paper, but he did with everything else. We live on the border, so for gas, we have to figure out gallons to liters and dollars to dollars😂 My dad was a human slide ruler... but he got that way by doing what this guy is telling you(us) to do.
Great advice! Currently, I'm training my brain to be better at math and the best advice I can give is to stay positive. A good attitude is important. Anyone can learn anything, especially math! :)
It's nice to be reminded in a way that it's possible to learn anything given the time and with enough patience. I personally need to slow down, take my time, and avoid burnout with the things I'm trying to learn. Thanks for the video!
I just can't pass out after watching this video without leaving a comment for thanking you sir. Am currently a student of computer science and am learning programming and I know this can really help me out. Thanks again.
I've done last 2 months ago already did Khan academy algebra basics and now algebra I 25%, I bought more books on math already filled out 3 notebooks, I'm trying many RUclips math channels, so that's why I'm here, takes time like 6 to 8 hours daily, I didn like math I'm 48 self taught developer but Im sill feel bad at math my main goal design AI in a future I don't have computer science, now I love math, algebra, calculus geometry, trigonometric, my path will take me some months to finish algebra I and II and precalculus calculus almost all math I do it because I love and in one day can able to invent something new I hope, thank you Math Sorcerer to give me more power.
This content is absolute rational and practical that everyone in any level can follow through learning these mentioned areas. I am an engineer student so I do math and physics but now due to my language exam, I am not practicing math especially physics, but I hope this 3 months will help me better to be creative and not to stick some usual ways. Thank you.
When I read math books, I start with each section, re-write it and complete the proofs before doing problems. I fully understand the section before doing problems, which I do to cement the ideas into my head and exercise my math abilities, which are not great. I just learn math at the engineering level. I'm a better philosopher than a mathematician, but recognize the value of math and see that I could start programming again if the corruption of the world somehow got fixed. For now, I just learn, they can't take that away from me. As Albert Einstein said "It's not that I'm so smart, it's that I just stay with the problem longer".
I studied music, piano, between the ages of 5-16. It was gruelling. Teaching methods then where by rote. I ploughed my way through exam after exam and even though I succeeded I didn’t learn anything about MUSIC! Years later I’ve started guitar lessons and a whole world of music has opened up for me. My teacher is brilliant, he runs parallel with a lot of what the Math Sorcerer explains in the video. I work with kitchen timers. (You can look up the pomodoro technique in WIKI) One timer set to 30 mins, which I place facing away from me, and one timer I use to methodically go through exercises set at one or two minutes. I DON’T RUSH. I find it a great way to focus on exercises and my pieces. As I’m not focusing on the 30 mins, I don’t worry about it and just get absorbed in what I’m doing. I also set the timer for about 5 minutes, after the 30 minutes, to remember and think through what I have been practicing. I give myself time for ‘subconscious’ learning and practice basics every day. A whole world of music has opened up for me and it’s part of my being now. Math Sorcerer is always interesting and I find motivating and I transpose quite a bit of his study techniques towards my music study. Many thanks Math Sorcerer!
Excellent, thank you. My 2 cents to add is for me was to wait to be in the mood, alignment of emotions with intentions has always been roadblocks but persistent and disciplined scheduling is the key to your point
I only can speak about myself, but i think that all that you have said is really true .. i'm not an english native speaker, but i could understand everything that you said withou subtitles .. i'm not studying english all day and i'm not doing anything crazy or that is expesive just to learn english, and i don't know how to write in english very well yet, but i could understand everything without subtitles .. i dedicate 30min of my day to study english and its really working :)
There is a really great book on learning called ‘make it stick’ by Brown, Roediger and McDaniel. I’ve read it and it takes a scientific approach to learning. I really recommend it.
Remember to follow through on your thinking. Whenever I make a mistake, I do not immediately go to ask for help. I follow through my working and try to identify the point where I had my problem and then try to connect my thinking with the answer instead of immediately asking for help and then I write down my mistake in the journal and elaborate upon why this mistake occurred through this, I can understand my weak links & inherent biases. This helps a lot.
Thank you, Math Sorcerer! Love your list and I've struggled through them all. I think I would add #9 as Fail Well. I know I've missed one of the other eight you mentioned most especially when I fail. The biggest setback is the foundation of your next big breakthrough! Fail and get back up and learn from it. Many thanks for all your help.
you are a wonderful teacher. I took notes and plan to use your strategy. another one I might add: call yourself a genius. Think of yourself as a genius in the making or an outright genius already. Another one: call your problem easy. "This is easy" try it, before you knock it. 😉
I love all the content creator out there. I pick the ones who help me to get rid of my flaws, who help me to grow and this is so awesome. Thank you for beeing one of these creators.
sound advice and specially the points: 1.basics (repeat them over and over again from different sources), 4.embrace (knowledge becomes entrenched when it leaves a mark at the psychological level - mild neurosis helps) and of course 6. real world (that's where the motive comes from). very good.
Just want to say that I really appreciate your videos! You've been very helpful and encouraging when it comes to my interest and self-study regarding mathematics.
I could use this advice. I love engineering dynamics because I have a strong foundation in calculus. I hate solid mechanics because I don’t understand like the basics. Stuff bend and idk what to do. Stuff moves and I understand that! 😂
Even though all of this is basic things to follow and incorporate in life, the fact that most people still don't do it, is concerning. Things that we've been told about since our early ages, yet many of us still can't properly practice them after all this time. The key is that its not about actively doing all this simultaneously, its about doing it regularly, it is also how you've acquired the little knowledge that you have right now, stay consistent, disciplined as you were often told.
I have graduated from Computer Engineering on 2019. When I was still on college, I found struggle on Technical Math subject. I remember I solved matrix faster than my "smart friend" when it comes to practices. But when it comes to test that's my struggle is begin. I always get low score than all my friends on class, and yes I did the remedial test to get the passing score. I always get more practice with my roommate after the class, but I'm still struggling to pass the test without remedial. Maybe I'm just not smart enough like my classmates. And luckily I passed the subject with C grade, kind of frustating, and very depresing. Especially I came from Asian culture, and when my math is bad, that's something very shameful. But until today I still want to practice math and sharpening my intuition based on the logical thinking. Btw I'm not from the english speaking country, I'm so sorry if my english and the grammar is bad.
You're a king! You're still an engineer, and others didn't even try to go to college, let alone Engineering. You can practice in your free time and nobody remembers how you went to school but you. Don't shame yourself for learning and trying to be your best. Embrace yourself. You're still an engineer 😀
I can't for the life of me do matrices I always, always always forget the rules. Like always. I'm okay at calculus but matrices nope that will be the death of me.
My brother hires engineers. He judges the applicants not just by grades but by their emotional intelligence. Do they have a good handshake and a genuine smile? Do they have other interests they enjoy like golf or hiking? Do they have patience , persistence? Did they have to work harder to get their degree? Because he has to hire for teams and the members need to be able to work well together. Otherwise time is wasted and there is constant drama to be sorted out.
I don't have concrete advice, but I will say, there is a light at the end of the tunnel when you persist, eventually, your brain will start to enjoy and thirst for intellectual rigor, and then you will look at difficult things which you don't understand almost like a delicious meal, and the more depth the more exquisite the flavor.
I was listening to you driving home and I called my daughter to ask if she exercised today. And she was like where did that come from. And I told her I was listening to you. What I get from you is it’s all in the hard work and preparation you do. There’s no bypassing. You have to have good habits. God bless
I've said it for a long time the basics is the most important poriton of anything, and that's what I always teach first. Also, abslutely love this video and I truly apprecaite you for sharing it! Thanks :)
Start with 52/17 technique, fight with the burnouts and never give up. You gotta fight through, and you WILL ALWAYS fight through, Believe me. It just depends on how you approach your future. Social Media and doing nothing AT ALL? Or Working Hard and eventually getting where you wanted to be? Starting harder, helped me more than starting slow. But i'm Breaking Down after working hard Every Day.
7:00 i cycle 75 kms with an analog magnet device. i use maths to calculate my time, speeds etc. you become sharper on it when you realize going 50 kph is dangerous down a slope, but has all the mathematical and navigational advantages
I think a genius is the man who devises new patterns of pondering, so you probably can't think like a genius, but you can definitely think like a professional in specific field.
incredible list, life advice right here. If I may add, workout or at least take daily 30 minute walks, in the day time if possible, it's like a different part of my brain turns on when I do that stay hydrated, consider adding electrolytes to your first glass of water, supplement fish oil, B12, Magnesium, creatine, NAD or nicotinamide for older people, take your pick of anxiety reducing activities or plants replace coffee with MCT oil, does wonders for alertness and focus, get the optimum dose of dietary fiber All these things done together will give a great feeling as well.
Well.. to be honest, people differ widely on the way they learn and background they have. Me myself, I am a mechanical engineer and I didn’t have a good background on it at first. However, I had questions on the mechanical devices around our daily life as a high-school student. Basic questions that was in my head are the most thing that motivated me to enter my field and made me study. Basic questions like how do cars really work? How can the AC REALLY cool us ? These questions made me one of the most excellent students on my top 40 university (KFUPM). I had a patent when I was 21. Stupid question can have an impact if you went to find the answers. 👷🏼
Practice pain without suffering. Endurance is not something to be avoided. Don't do it for others, and especially don't do it because of others - rather, do it because you're the only one who will. It's okay, it's actually a really good day and may you look back on it in the future with melancholy. We're lucky, we're right where we need to be
I have just finished devising a list of propositions to guide me in problem solving. It's part of something bigger that is very important to me. Seeing the similarity between my propositions and yours is very encouraging and exciting. Thank you for this. Your channel is awesome.
I genuinely respect you. Before I was expelled from chemical engineering school after studying there for 6 years, I used to fail every course except for math because I watched your videos. Regarding this video, how can I apply this method to learn a new language ? I am trying to learn Russian.
My three best pieces of advice are: 1. Show up. Showing up every day to practice or studying is crucial. This is why starting off with only 2 minutes of studying if you don't have the habits for it yet can be greatly beneficial as you slowly build the habits of showing up, it becomes easier to study next time for longer periods. 2. Health. Some people constantly study and practice but forget the importance of a healthy diet, sleep, and exercise. A healthy body is a healthy mind. 3. Try to incorporate a way to become a little bit more excited or make the subject more fun for you. The more excited and interested you are in a certain subject, the easier it is to stick to it without burning out so frequently. For example, I listen to music's when I study math to make it more pleasant and fun for me, which makes me want to do more. I also get excited and enjoy getting the small victories when I solve a challenging equation I just couldn't understand.
Your videos are really helpful, thank you so much! I'm not sure, but around 3 months ago, I couldn't even imagine that I could write sentences in English. But now, I watch your videos and can recognize what you're saying! And the first thing that came to mind was that "I should start from the basics. Grammar should be my starting point," and it's working for me! Anyway, thanks. ❤ Everyone should try it.
it seems like you're almost ready for the cat sat on the mat.once you can string two sentences together,you should be able to write a load of stupid nonsense,put it on television and make millions of dollars just write about the first thing that comes into your head if you can't spell a word,just make it up as you go along.just spell it as it sounds .once it is barely legible and vaguely readable you will have jumped up millions of places to one of the cleverest people in the world as opposed to internet comments speech and sentences which looked like pet owners have allowed their pets to dance on the keyboards.if I can actually make out what you are talking about and you resemble somebody actually trying to communicate with a human being,you'll get snapped up by the big boys and you'll be set for life.the cat sat on the mat.the dog stood on the rug.just do that,over and over again for one of the online companies,you're probably looking at ten million dollars and bonuses.
Thanks to math sorcerer for making this video. Now it really helps me to become the best student in math in my country. Im sure that not only me but many people from all around the world watch your videos every day and they gain some helpful information from your advices
It's hard for me to find boundaries, between when seeking help causes me to think about the problem less and learn less and when it actually helps me to not waste too much time. It takes experience to find the golden mean.
Great video! Ad no. 5: I find MathOverflow is really useful especially for proofs. In answers to question like "How to prove x?", one often find multiple ways how to prove the same things or gets interesting hints.
This is somewhat on a different tangent (pun intented), but if you develop public speaking and communication skills, plus learn to handle people, in addition to your core maths/science/engineering/tech skills, you'll run rings around people who are only good at the technical aspects of your field.
the first chapter of any subject is easy to remember but as you progress on through the whole course, one tends to get hazy about the first things that you learnt
Genius is a talent for producing something for which no determinate rule can be given, not a predisposition consisting of a skill for something that can be learned by following some rule or other. - Immanuel Kant
I'm working in sales operation, part of tje job was to learn and probably master excel. During the course of learning, i felt a lot of pain, because it was extremely hard for me because i am more of a litterate person, but despite my failures i kept going and today i'm performing decently, by no mean i'm super good but it's satisfying enough to see the fruit of my labour actually worth it.
Hey Dave, glad to see you're moving on in a positive way since your time in Van Halen. Didn't know you loved math so much. Thanks for the memories and this video.
Some of the mental models that have made the most difference in my problem solving are the following: First Principles Thinking: essentially knowing the basics but very well defined, clarified, and understood. Mastery of the basics IS true mastery. Think of them as lego bricks that you can combine and recombine into novel structures. Creativity is essentially just combining what's already there. Begin by questioning your assumptions and gaining clarity on what's really true, this is a kind of Socratic inquiry. Inversion: think in terms of reversal. This can be simply just doing the opposite, or it can refer to something like reverse engineering. I like to think of Judo in which the practitioner uses his opponent's power against him. ROI Thinking: Everything you do carries an opportunity cost and is an investment of some sort. Thinking in this way allows you to get the maximum out of the minimum and trains you to think long term(second order causes). Galileo's Jar: You can't understand a system that you are apart of, and you can't read the label from inside the jar. This is simply a reminder to change your perspective, and it can be done in limitless ways. You'll often find the solution from just switching perspectives alone. Negative Cues: look for what should be there that isn't. A dog that didn't bark. The Yin-Yang Effect: develop the capacity to hold contradictory ideas. This is also known as Negative Capability. Embrace uncertainty, wisdom is tolerance of cognitive dissonance. Ask yourself "why not both?" to identify possible opportunities for combination. Systems and Synergy: Everything is a system, and thus produces some form of synergy, be it positive or negative. Keep an eye on the synergies you're inevitably producing and tweak them if necessary. One tweak can set off a chain reaction. Sequence your steps for optimal synergy(ex: perhaps you study better at a certain time of day, or prefer to exercise beforehand). It's not simply the pieces, but how they interact with one another. Chokepoints: The best way to identify weaknesses in something is to "break" it. Use stress testing to identify flaws in your design, understanding, and uncover the first principles.
Hello, Mr. Sorceror. 😂 I am learning arithmetic again and am doing better than I thought, however, I have always had trouble with numbers themselves . I make constant mistakes, and can't add up or subtract as fast as I like, and embarassingly use my fingers sometimes I think I may have some sort of numerical disability. I will not give up, I just fear this is stunting me. Do you have any advice for people like me? Is it even possible for someone like me to learn? Perhaps, you could make a video discussing this sometime, if you can.
I also make mistakes in basic arithmetic and sometimes use my fingers. What I do is use a calculator for basic arithmetic so I don't make mistakes. And you can still learn. I have done college math up to graduate level CS so yes you can learn. I have often thought, but never actually tried, about getting arithmetic flash cards to see if that will help me with my mental calculations.
@@billc4993 Thank you for the response! I will use a calculator more. I have been using flash cards for the times tables, but some are hard for me to remember. I may buy an abacus and see if that can help. Also, congrats on your success.
You are right. It is important to not give up in case of difficulty. It is critical to collect all forces and struggle even heavier and get to the goal. When you solve the problems, you will feel like a winner and it will make you stronger for the next challenge. Giving up make you weaker.
His eyes are literally staring into my soul, telling me to learn.
😂👌
I am scared 😮
@@spiraldynamics6008 Me too.
@@MrEkzotic help me.
Yes, they are... hypnotizing...
I’m a self learner aged 70 - I feel wonderful having spent 1 hour per day studying maths. You are a super teacher Wizard thank you for your words of wisdom.
You are an inspiration to many young people like me . I am just 24 years old by the way. All the best for your wonderful journey of mathematics
Wow! When did you start?
That is the future. The future is going to be self - learning! Self - learning! People who learn by themselves shall be known as educated.
such an inspiration, keep going
How many maths do you know?
In my experience, "embrace the challenge" is probably the biggest thing that people have difficulty with, yet it's the one which usually leads to the most success. This is because it helps to change your mindset about what you find hard - and then it stops being hard, it starts becoming "enjoyably" hard, so you stick to it and eventually solve it. As Albert Einstein said "It's not that I'm so smart, it's that I just stay with the problem longer".
Exactly
Einstein was just being modest. Einstein was definitely more intelligent than most physicists or people in general. I’m sure others have been just as persistent as he was and not been nearly as successful. That doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to be said about his work ethic but his intelligence shouldn’t be discounted. I don’t think this is necessarily what you were saying, but the idea that you can be like Einstein with the right work ethic is bound to lead to disappointment for most people. If you take inspiration from these giants with just the goal of improving yourself that’s perfectly fine however and an admirable thing to do.
That’s something I’ve been working on myself. When it comes to working out for instance, I’ve been pushing the distance I run further and further and I try to embrace the pain of it, like this is the point where I’m stretching myself and conquering new ground
@@jacobharris5894 Well put. Einstein was a singular genius who approached problems of his day differently than others. Initially, when considering a problem, his thoughts were not verbal or numerical expressions of the concepts but more the actual physical forces within reference frames, and the agents involved, spatial orientations, temporal factors, etc., extremely abstract for the times, such that putting them into numerical terms, articulating his conceptualization are what give him a transcendent quality beyond others.
This is life 😊
The math teacher we all wanted while growing up. This generation is blessed❤thank you so much sir.
Yeah like he is the best math teacher ever
I feel like this person is saving math from being forgotten.
I really love you math sorcerer and I appreciate your work.
Facts 💯💯💯
Facts my math teacher thought I was the r word
@@shetheyithe8894 are you fine?
This generation is not blessed. They commit crimes and get caught. They can't even do crime correctly 🤦
I would like to add a 9th: Teaching. Putting yourself in a position where you get to teach someone the thing you're learning forces you to break down concepts into their most raw form. Doing this will, in turn, deepen your understanding of whatever it is you're learning. And as he said, the stronger your basics/base, the stronger the architecture can be that's built on top of it, ultimately furthering your genius.
Yes! Very, very true.
yes!! this method highlights all the gaps in understanding like no other
Yes my physics teacher would make us teach him before a test
Yes, my math teacher always do this thing for students. He will teach one student and then that student should teach the same topic to the other. In this way I never forget the concept.
1:12 1. Basics
2:50 2.Practice
3:04 3. Breakdown
4:27 4. Embrace
5:45 5. Seek help
6:55 6. Real world
8:10 7. Study Habits
9:45 8 . Persistence
"Breakdown"
"Seek help"
"Embrace"
Thanks
Guys something I can recommend is staying away from phones. You probably hear this everywhere but dont take it seriously like me but it really does make a difference. When I didnt have a phone I used to take information in really fast and have a time to think about things and solve them but I noticed after having a phone that I started using it as a scapegoat to run away from my problems and get addicted to it.
great advice!
I noticed my memory improved so much after deleting social media like (TikTok, Instagram, etc)
@@ItHer-ry1izReally? Why do you think that? I have a bad habit of watching TikTok for a couple hours every night.
I deleted my Instagram a couple months ago and i used to think I will just keep going back. Honestly I haven't felt it's absence since the week after I quit.
When I was confused trying to solve a math problem one day, I realized that the cause of my confusion was that I wasn't clearly focused on what it was that I wanted to find. It really helps to stop and get clear in your mind exactly what is being asked. Define the question. I've used this technique ever since, and it works.
Same here. It just gets fuzzy in my head; i don’t even get focused enough because all I thought of was finishing the problems.
@@Solitary_Observer sometimes there are really some easy problems but when I try to solve them I just get stressed for not knowing the answer before even trying!
Love it. I use this method of ‘defining the question’ in everyday conversation when ideas are thrown at me. Or if it’s unclear I know what questions to ask so I’m clear on what’s being asked. Very effective approach to use in many aspects of life.
@@jeffmejia3556 “…If it’s unclear I know what to ask…” Excellent analysis, clarification, and thought. Wish I’d added that!
Something my dad did in college was take a walk whenever he doesn’t understand something.
These are the steps I followed for the past painfully long 4 years, in order to study and learn German (especially German grammar) -- and it's finally paying off (reached B2). Had I not needed to work to stay alive, it would've taken me 1 or 2 years.
Because unlike other languages, German requires you to study it like someone who has to study physics and chemistry textbooks AND actually do the practices, and majors in a STEM field, just to be able to effectively communicate. I'm not great at maths or sciences, so I know how boring they can be, however, learning German made me interested in sciences and maths. (I'm a softwaree developer by trade, so this also applies here too.)
What seems impossible is often achievable through planned, hard work and endless boredom, and that's coming from someone who is passionate about foreign languages.
And I'm far from a genius, just ask my friends and family. People say I'm smart for knowing different languages, but that's unfair, because it shadows over all the pain and hard work and sacrifices I had to make to get there. Work hard, and smart while equipped with curiosity to embrace the grind.
Prima. Weiter so !💪
I recently started reading this book by Marcus Du Sautoy called
“Thinking better”
The Art of the shortcut in math and life.
Which is that. He proves that math/problem solving correlates into the rest of your life and how you move through it.
Excellent concept!
I was horrible at math which ultimately kept me from going to college. The anxiety made me believe it wasn’t for me. In my last year of high school I was failing pretty bad and was told by my principle I needed to just drop out and get a GED. It got to me cuz I knew deep down I was intelligent. I went to my math teacher and ask her if I she could help me and stayed everyday after school determined to get it. The day came when I got it and that feeling was priceless! I ended up Acing my math test and getting my average up to a 98 somehow.
Graduated and my principal was shocked to see my name when calling me up to accept my diploma.
I had a grin on my face and I bet he’ll never forget me lol.
Takes time and perseverance! It’s possible to eventually love mathematics.
“Embrace the struggle”. I have had the tendency to put a lot of pressure on myself in the past. This increased the frustration and anxiety. Then I started approaching it with a playful attitude. I’m going the play around with this. I’m going to experiment with it. I’m going to have fun with it. That has made a huge difference for me.
The other thing is one you mentioned. Take breaks. When you start feeling frustrated and angry, take a break. Go do something different. Take your conscious mind off the problem. Return to it when you are relaxed and refreshed. Many times, I’ve discovered something at that time that was starring me in the face all that time. I couldn’t see it in my earlier mental and emotional state.
great advice:)
One thing I noticed about successful people is they don't give up. They keep going until they've solved the problem or exhausted the problem's search space. It will help if you can cultivate the mindset that giving up is not an option.
5:17 That's true. It is hard to embrace the challenge when you have the pressure of grades. Our society values the grades more than learning, and when the pressure to get as close to a 4.0 as possible is very real to be competitive for jobs then learning and understanding can take a backseat. That's when you get students doing just enough to get a good grade on the test, and then they forget the material. The students, employers, and society suffers.
These days most learning is done outside of school, and school is just for the grade and recognition.
1. learn the basics
2. practice!!! it's also about how you practice and how you use your time
3. break down things into steps
4. embrace the struggle of learning. it's not supposed to be easy!
5. seek help! join study groups, talk to your professor
6. incorporate the subject in the real world
7. have study habits! try to have a time and a place to study every single day
8. stay persistant. if you skip study days make sure to always come back and try again
The "pleasant challenge" mentality for when you are not understanding something is just awesome. Thank you for your inspirational videos my good sir
YES!!
I'm applying some tips though I am 59. Learning never stops. Thanks for your wise ideas. One tip I would like to give is to write a lot and keep recalling whatever learnt.
I can’t help but love every single one of this guy’s videos. They motivate me like nobody else.
Thank you!!
@@TheMathSorcerer i sometimes get sleepy when studying , what can I do?
@@princessramonah21sleep
@@princessramonah21just sleep
@princessramonah21 sleep then. When you awake go straight back to studying.
Music Theory - and improvisation and etc is a perfect example. Very basic tools but using them together is powerful
Thanks, sorcerer, I have pretty much used your advice through my now 41 year long career. Persistence is essential. I'd add flexibility to your list of recommendations. When a problem looks too hard to tackle, one may be tackling it from the wrong side. It is then time step back, pause, put it maybe in a broader context, possibly reformulating it. (There is no right answer to a wrong question.) One strategy I found useful for new problems was to delay working on them. I studied the question and allowed it to macerate in my head for days or weeks while working on something else. In the meantime I freely (no stress) daydreamt about it. By the time I actively started on it, many things had become clearer with almost no effort.
I am already on a similar path as you described. As a student at a private German high school, I will definitely stick to your tips. Thank You!
One thing that helps me with staying focused and disciplined is keeping a precise log of my activity.
I find it very beneficial to be extremely scrutinizing with reporting everything that I do in a log. This log enables me to have a greater perspective on where my energy is being used and how I can improve the efficiency of my energy management.
This will cure your ADHD if you follow it perfectly. You must log every single thing you do with great detail for it to be effective. It will also be very rewarding for your brain to log these things down as you gain more and more clarity over your energy expenditure.
My log uses this format:
Start time: Subject: Stop time:
2:33pm Replied to Mark 2:33pm
2:34pm Worked on music 3:25pm
3:26pm Took a poop and emailed people 3:33pm
Etc. Give it a go.
Great tips! I especially like the idea of "embracing the struggle". A while ago, I learned about the concept of cognitive load, which is basically that feeling of struggling to grasp something mentally. I liken it to hard reps in strength-training. It is those hard reps that signal your mind and body that it needs to grow stronger.
Listen to David Goggins. Nothing worthwhile is going to be accomplished nice and comfy on your sofa with no stress. Know that the road to success travels through the sewer before you get there.
Growth begins at the point of frustration.
@@joeking6972 As Mohammad Ali said, "I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count. That's what makes you a champion."
"Embrace the struggle," is fantastic learning and life advice! 👍😎
"Embrace the struggle." Love that!
Thanks a lot. Solving hard problems is really something like creating a map, rather than following blueprints.
Don’t forget a sense of curiosity, and a purpose. It’s great to learn things, but so much more satisfying when that knowledge scratches an itch and serves a larger project
I am 23 years old and I've always had the belief that I will never get math or any other exact science yet I was drooling over them. I read a lot, and I think (not sure yet) I am smart enough to understand that I know very little about this world. I've decided to challenge myself with math, I promised myself that I will be very patient. I want to discipline my mind. This is my first video of you, and, oh my God, you are so simple and still so "beautiful" in your Being, don't know exact words. And it's contagious. I can feel my dopamine rising just looking at you and listening to you. Thank you!
I am a math teacher and I am learning a lot from you. Thank you Sorcerer, from India ❤️
One very important other tip for learning math is read a lot (and different topics). The more you know the easier it is to get an understanding of complicated topics. The best mathematicians who are working in analysis still know the basics of algebraic geometry. For this you need to know the basics really well. You need to learn to get the important information and ideas out of a text without having read all the details. This increases your reading speed a lot.
Always try to understand the same thing in multiple ways. For example there might be an algebraic and a geometric way to think about the same problem. Try to solve the problem both ways. You will see that one side might be way easier than the other side.
Don‘t just try to solve a problem, but try to really understand what is going on, or why it is true. After proving something try to find an easier proof, or a more constructive one, or maybe one which is more structural.
If you struggle with a hard problem always try to reduce the complexity of the problem further and further until you can understand what is going on. This can either be done by considering increasingly easier examples or by adding more assumptions. Often the most important aspect or the general structure can be seen on this level, but is not clouded by the general complexity of the situation. (I feel like this gets more important on research level). This method can also be used to find new surprising phenomena and conjectures.
Try to lay out a plan if you‘re proving something. Use intuitive arguments why something should (roughly) be true. Do that until you get to the solution. Now you have a rough outline of the proof (a proof idea). Next, try to fill out the details of each step.
After watching your videos and learning from your lecture videos my appreciation for MATH and PHYSICS has increased drastically. The work that you are doing is unparalleled. Thanks a lot sir🙏
Seeking help is so big, and it's very difficult to find the right person, and then to set up time, and then to make sure that the time you're spending is useful. But if all that aligns, it can be more helpful than anything else.
Your point #1 is the key to learning all subject matter. I'm a senior citizen and my motto is "'Never stop learning!"
Your point #6 iis another great concept/practice. Putting math to practical use in ordinary everyday life.
I use that when shopping ALL the time to determine when and where the best shopping choice is. The "sale" item is NOT always the best deal!
This is the second video of yours Ive seen and I really love what you have to say, how straight forward you are. The basics reminds me of a college math teacher. She told us she used to hate math but because she emigrated to the US and had to take some of the same classes over again in school it instilled the fundamentals, and once she had a real understanding she loved math. The rest is history.
We are so lucky to have such a teacher like you. Although a lot of these tips seem simple, hearing it from another person who has so much more life experience than me always motivates me to do better in my life in university. Thank you so much for this video
Thanks prof, in my experience, I am nearing 60 years but mathematics is my passion. I never tire from math. As a trained engineer I always find some new math that is waiting to be explored by me. Mathematics is one area which I always have some energy reserved for.
Sir please read this if u get time
Sir ,i am 16 .im watching u for the first time.I felt more connected when u shared ur life experience as a student when u burned out and having not so good study habits despite u r a genious and humble person.I am in my burnout moment where i really dont feel studying.But somehow ur video is soo relatable that i really felt these advices are completely formed for me,as i am feeling pretty dumb and numb at the same time.Plz give more videos sir for people like me who have the hope to become genious one day and just come out of their fear for new things just because of our thought.God bless u.❤
I will no worries. You can do it!!
I really like how you mentioned that learning the basics has such a great importance. This is true when learning martial arts as well. If anyone wants my opinion, basics also take a lot of patience.
I'm a self-learner and I so love these newer videos you are creating for us. The study and learning tips and information are so helpful!
The part about embracing really struck a chord with me. For a long time i struggled with math, i dossed a lot early on in high school and it took some time to catch up. I've recently come to find that I'm not as bad as I think i am (im just a bit slow on uptake) but I've found through just applying math learning to projects im working on and just sitting around thinking about topics, the insight and links between topics make more sense and ive learned to embrace the journey as a life long goal rather than a short term one.
I applied these principles to my journey in computer science:
#Fundamentals - I made sure to grasp the foundational concepts accurately. Many individuals overlook these basics, rushing into complex topics only to falter later. Investing time in mastering fundamentals paved the way for easier comprehension of advanced subjects. Years dedicated to mastering the basics saved me from struggling for decades while still sounding inexperienced.
#Practice - As the adage goes, "You can't excel in computer science by mere contemplation." Active engagement with code and projects, guided by a virtual metronome of consistency, was essential. Philosophy alone wouldn't suffice; practical implementation was key.
#Deconstruction - I realized that intricate concepts are often just amalgamations of the basics. Breaking down complex problems into their fundamental components, which I had already mastered, empowered me to tackle any challenge, provided I invested ample time.
#Embrace Challenges - Similar to mastering a musical piece, if I couldn't understand a coding concept initially, I persevered until I could. This discomfort zone became my most fertile ground for learning, where trial, error, and growth intertwined.
Seek Guidance - Recognizing that my approach might be skewed, I reached out to those I admired in the field. Sometimes, my attachment was to their approach rather than the individuals themselves. Seeking their advice untangled my misconceptions and refined my learning path.
#Real-world Application - In programming, like on stage, the real test is practical application. Engaging with actual projects exposed what truly mattered and what didn't. Focusing excessively on the beginning stages of coding a program proved futile when I realized I hadn't mastered its conclusion.
#Study Strategy - Translating real-world insights into a structured learning regimen proved crucial. I formulated a practice routine that targeted my weaknesses, rather than indulging in hours of half-hearted engagement with my strengths. Just as 15 minutes devoted to addressing a coding blind spot was more productive than hours of distracted practice.
#Persistence - The mantra "It takes time" echoed through my journey. If computer science were simple, its value would diminish. Learning from the experiences of successful coders, I understood the significance of patience and gradual growth. Trying to rush the process only prolonged the journey, leaving me struggling instead of thriving.
People have some really good ideas in these comments.
As someone finishing up their undergrad studying electrical engineering and physics, I think the thing that helped me most was positive associations with studying.
There’s many things that go into this but if you’re about to self-study a subject but don’t have the most positive associations studying, dive into something that you think about at random times of day because it is so interesting to you. In the long term, studying something deeply takes some really hard work (I’m attempting to self-study math at the moment), but it’s no shame if the beginning of your self-study journey feels like entertainment.
I feel no shame beginning my self-study journey by just watching RUclips videos that fascinate me. Once I’ve developed positive associations with the material, I then lean into the difficulties (like reading and doing problems) a little more.
Let me know if anyone agrees / has anything to add to this!
i totally agree with this! it works well when you're new to it so creating those positive associations does drive you into going deeper on the subject at hand.
that's how i got into a level physics, chemistry and math
I started learning Spanish because I thought I might need it for work- so I tried to make a game of it using Duolingo, then added in learning folk songs, then added poetry , then dance , then movies.
So much more is available now. When I was in high school, it was just workbooks, memorization of conversations and repetition. I still remember those sentences to this day😂
Ou se trouve ma chemise bleu?
Oui, Maman! Dinons en ville!
@@LilyGazou yes I love that concept of making a game out of it! Whatever makes something seem like fun I feel works so well!
And it’s so much easier to make things fun now without just trudging through textbooks and colorless documents
My advice in addition to what you've said would be , eat well, sleep well, go for a walk, the body and mind is one piece.
Yes!!! Such good advice!!
The one piece is reaaal!!!
It's been about 25 years since I was in high school, but my brother was an engineer, and so was my dad. Everything he said is something my dad taught me.
I'm going back to math and watched this to see if there was anything else to apply while studying. I am giving this video full marks.
The exception is rule 6: My dad didn't bother with toilet paper, but he did with everything else. We live on the border, so for gas, we have to figure out gallons to liters and dollars to dollars😂 My dad was a human slide ruler... but he got that way by doing what this guy is telling you(us) to do.
Great advice! Currently, I'm training my brain to be better at math and the best advice I can give is to stay positive. A good attitude is important. Anyone can learn anything, especially math! :)
It's nice to be reminded in a way that it's possible to learn anything given the time and with enough patience. I personally need to slow down, take my time, and avoid burnout with the things I'm trying to learn. Thanks for the video!
As a software developer this video was so useful, very on point, tremendously applicable.
I just can't pass out after watching this video without leaving a comment for thanking you sir.
Am currently a student of computer science and am learning programming and I know this can really help me out.
Thanks again.
Same
I've done last 2 months ago already did Khan academy algebra basics and now algebra I 25%, I bought more books on math already filled out 3 notebooks, I'm trying many RUclips math channels, so that's why I'm here, takes time like 6 to 8 hours daily, I didn like math I'm 48 self taught developer but Im sill feel bad at math my main goal design AI in a future I don't have computer science, now I love math, algebra, calculus geometry, trigonometric, my path will take me some months to finish algebra I and II and precalculus calculus almost all math I do it because I love and in one day can able to invent something new I hope, thank you Math Sorcerer to give me more power.
This content is absolute rational and practical that everyone in any level can follow through learning these mentioned areas. I am an engineer student so I do math and physics but now due to my language exam, I am not practicing math especially physics, but I hope this 3 months will help me better to be creative and not to stick some usual ways. Thank you.
It's a pleasure learning with Isaac Newton how to think like a genius, Thank Youu !! Amazing video
When I read math books, I start with each section, re-write it and complete the proofs before doing problems. I fully understand the section before doing problems, which I do to cement the ideas into my head and exercise my math abilities, which are not great. I just learn math at the engineering level. I'm a better philosopher than a mathematician, but recognize the value of math and see that I could start programming again if the corruption of the world somehow got fixed. For now, I just learn, they can't take that away from me. As Albert Einstein said "It's not that I'm so smart, it's that I just stay with the problem longer".
I studied music, piano, between the ages of 5-16. It was gruelling. Teaching methods then where by rote. I ploughed my way through exam after exam and even though I succeeded I didn’t learn anything about MUSIC! Years later I’ve started guitar lessons and a whole world of music has opened up for me. My teacher is brilliant, he runs parallel with a lot of what the Math Sorcerer explains in the video. I work with kitchen timers. (You can look up the pomodoro technique in WIKI) One timer set to 30 mins, which I place facing away from me, and one timer I use to methodically go through exercises set at one or two minutes. I DON’T RUSH. I find it a great way to focus on exercises and my pieces. As I’m not focusing on the 30 mins, I don’t worry about it and just get absorbed in what I’m doing. I also set the timer for about 5 minutes, after the 30 minutes, to remember and think through what I have been practicing. I give myself time for ‘subconscious’ learning and practice basics every day. A whole world of music has opened up for me and it’s part of my being now. Math Sorcerer is always interesting and I find motivating and I transpose quite a bit of his study techniques towards my music study. Many thanks Math Sorcerer!
Excellent, thank you. My 2 cents to add is for me was to wait to be in the mood, alignment of emotions with intentions has always been roadblocks but persistent and disciplined scheduling is the key to your point
I only can speak about myself, but i think that all that you have said is really true .. i'm not an english native speaker, but i could understand everything that you said withou subtitles .. i'm not studying english all day and i'm not doing anything crazy or that is expesive just to learn english, and i don't know how to write in english very well yet, but i could understand everything without subtitles .. i dedicate 30min of my day to study english and its really working :)
Yeah, i watched some cartoons with subtitles like south park, games reviews and playing games. Learning languages is a pretty cool thing
There is a really great book on learning called ‘make it stick’ by Brown, Roediger and McDaniel. I’ve read it and it takes a scientific approach to learning. I really recommend it.
Remember to follow through on your thinking.
Whenever I make a mistake, I do not immediately go to ask for help. I follow through my working and try to identify the point where I had my problem and then try to connect my thinking with the answer instead of immediately asking for help and then I write down my mistake in the journal and elaborate upon why this mistake occurred through this, I can understand my weak links & inherent biases.
This helps a lot.
Thank you, Math Sorcerer! Love your list and I've struggled through them all. I think I would add #9 as Fail Well. I know I've missed one of the other eight you mentioned most especially when I fail. The biggest setback is the foundation of your next big breakthrough! Fail and get back up and learn from it. Many thanks for all your help.
you are a wonderful teacher. I took notes and plan to use your strategy. another one I might add: call yourself a genius. Think of yourself as a genius in the making or an outright genius already. Another one: call your problem easy. "This is easy" try it, before you knock it. 😉
I love all the content creator out there. I pick the ones who help me to get rid of my flaws, who help me to grow and this is so awesome. Thank you for beeing one of these creators.
sound advice and specially the points: 1.basics (repeat them over and over again from different sources), 4.embrace (knowledge becomes entrenched when it leaves a mark at the psychological level - mild neurosis helps) and of course 6. real world (that's where the motive comes from). very good.
Just want to say that I really appreciate your videos! You've been very helpful and encouraging when it comes to my interest and self-study regarding mathematics.
As an incoming PhD in Biology I am trying to learn math all over again. This gave me so much encouragement. Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I could use this advice. I love engineering dynamics because I have a strong foundation in calculus. I hate solid mechanics because I don’t understand like the basics. Stuff bend and idk what to do. Stuff moves and I understand that! 😂
Even though all of this is basic things to follow and incorporate in life, the fact that most people still don't do it, is concerning. Things that we've been told about since our early ages, yet many of us still can't properly practice them after all this time. The key is that its not about actively doing all this simultaneously, its about doing it regularly, it is also how you've acquired the little knowledge that you have right now, stay consistent, disciplined as you were often told.
I have graduated from Computer Engineering on 2019. When I was still on college, I found struggle on Technical Math subject. I remember I solved matrix faster than my "smart friend" when it comes to practices. But when it comes to test that's my struggle is begin. I always get low score than all my friends on class, and yes I did the remedial test to get the passing score. I always get more practice with my roommate after the class, but I'm still struggling to pass the test without remedial. Maybe I'm just not smart enough like my classmates. And luckily I passed the subject with C grade, kind of frustating, and very depresing. Especially I came from Asian culture, and when my math is bad, that's something very shameful. But until today I still want to practice math and sharpening my intuition based on the logical thinking. Btw I'm not from the english speaking country, I'm so sorry if my english and the grammar is bad.
You're a king! You're still an engineer, and others didn't even try to go to college, let alone Engineering. You can practice in your free time and nobody remembers how you went to school but you. Don't shame yourself for learning and trying to be your best. Embrace yourself. You're still an engineer 😀
I can't for the life of me do matrices I always, always always forget the rules. Like always. I'm okay at calculus but matrices nope that will be the death of me.
My brother hires engineers. He judges the applicants not just by grades but by their emotional intelligence. Do they have a good handshake and a genuine smile? Do they have other interests they enjoy like golf or hiking? Do they have patience , persistence? Did they have to work harder to get their degree?
Because he has to hire for teams and the members need to be able to work well together.
Otherwise time is wasted and there is constant drama to be sorted out.
I don't have concrete advice, but I will say, there is a light at the end of the tunnel when you persist, eventually, your brain will start to enjoy and thirst for intellectual rigor, and then you will look at difficult things which you don't understand almost like a delicious meal, and the more depth the more exquisite the flavor.
This man has the most intense stare I have ever seen, It's like he's peering into the depths of my very soul.
I was listening to you driving home and I called my daughter to ask if she exercised today. And she was like where did that come from. And I told her I was listening to you. What I get from you is it’s all in the hard work and preparation you do. There’s no bypassing. You have to have good habits. God bless
I've said it for a long time the basics is the most important poriton of anything, and that's what I always teach first. Also, abslutely love this video and I truly apprecaite you for sharing it! Thanks :)
Start with 52/17 technique, fight with the burnouts and never give up. You gotta fight through, and you WILL ALWAYS fight through, Believe me. It just depends on how you approach your future. Social Media and doing nothing AT ALL? Or Working Hard and eventually getting where you wanted to be?
Starting harder, helped me more than starting slow. But i'm Breaking Down after working hard Every Day.
the thumbnail dragged me here like a magnet
7:00 i cycle 75 kms with an analog magnet device. i use maths to calculate my time, speeds etc. you become sharper on it when you realize going 50 kph is dangerous down a slope, but has all the mathematical and navigational advantages
I think a genius is the man who devises new patterns of pondering, so you probably can't think like a genius, but you can definitely think like a professional in specific field.
incredible list, life advice right here.
If I may add,
workout or at least take daily 30 minute walks, in the day time if possible, it's like a different part of my brain turns on when I do that
stay hydrated, consider adding electrolytes to your first glass of water,
supplement fish oil, B12, Magnesium, creatine, NAD or nicotinamide for older people,
take your pick of anxiety reducing activities or plants
replace coffee with MCT oil, does wonders for alertness and focus,
get the optimum dose of dietary fiber
All these things done together will give a great feeling as well.
Well.. to be honest, people differ widely on the way they learn and background they have. Me myself, I am a mechanical engineer and I didn’t have a good background on it at first. However, I had questions on the mechanical devices around our daily life as a high-school student. Basic questions that was in my head are the most thing that motivated me to enter my field and made me study. Basic questions like how do cars really work? How can the AC REALLY cool us ? These questions made me one of the most excellent students on my top 40 university (KFUPM). I had a patent when I was 21. Stupid question can have an impact if you went to find the answers. 👷🏼
Practice pain without suffering. Endurance is not something to be avoided. Don't do it for others, and especially don't do it because of others - rather, do it because you're the only one who will. It's okay, it's actually a really good day and may you look back on it in the future with melancholy. We're lucky, we're right where we need to be
I have just finished devising a list of propositions to guide me in problem solving. It's part of something bigger that is very important to me. Seeing the similarity between my propositions and yours is very encouraging and exciting. Thank you for this. Your channel is awesome.
I genuinely respect you. Before I was expelled from chemical engineering school after studying there for 6 years, I used to fail every course except for math because I watched your videos.
Regarding this video, how can I apply this method to learn a new language ? I am trying to learn Russian.
Tip #0: Sleep
My three best pieces of advice are:
1. Show up. Showing up every day to practice or studying is crucial. This is why starting off with only 2 minutes of studying if you don't have the habits for it yet can be greatly beneficial as you slowly build the habits of showing up, it becomes easier to study next time for longer periods.
2. Health. Some people constantly study and practice but forget the importance of a healthy diet, sleep, and exercise. A healthy body is a healthy mind.
3. Try to incorporate a way to become a little bit more excited or make the subject more fun for you. The more excited and interested you are in a certain subject, the easier it is to stick to it without burning out so frequently. For example, I listen to music's when I study math to make it more pleasant and fun for me, which makes me want to do more. I also get excited and enjoy getting the small victories when I solve a challenging equation I just couldn't understand.
Your videos are really helpful, thank you so much! I'm not sure, but around 3 months ago, I couldn't even imagine that I could write sentences in English. But now, I watch your videos and can recognize what you're saying! And the first thing that came to mind was that "I should start from the basics. Grammar should be my starting point," and it's working for me! Anyway, thanks. ❤
Everyone should try it.
it seems like you're almost ready for the cat sat on the mat.once you can string two sentences together,you should be able to write a load of stupid nonsense,put it on television and make millions of dollars just write about the first thing that comes into your head if you can't spell a word,just make it up as you go along.just spell it as it sounds .once it is barely legible and vaguely readable you will have jumped up millions of places to one of the cleverest people in the world as opposed to internet comments speech and sentences which looked like pet owners have allowed their pets to dance on the keyboards.if I can actually make out what you are talking about and you resemble somebody actually trying to communicate with a human being,you'll get snapped up by the big boys and you'll be set for life.the cat sat on the mat.the dog stood on the rug.just do that,over and over again for one of the online companies,you're probably looking at ten million dollars and bonuses.
Grammar is not a good start though
The Greatest Educational motivational speach guide ive got ever 👌
1:12 1. Basics
2:50 2.Practice
3:04 3. Breakdown
4:27 4. Embrace
5:45 5. Seek help
6:55 6. Real world
8:10 7. Study Habits
9:45 8 . Persistence
His eyes are scary and direct. Plus you can sense his brainwaves. It's the stuff genius are made of.
Thanks to math sorcerer for making this video. Now it really helps me to become the best student in math in my country. Im sure that not only me but many people from all around the world watch your videos every day and they gain some helpful information from your advices
Thank you Wizard. I show some of your advice videos to my 5th grade class and they love them.
Oh wow so cool! Thank you!
Love them also
It's hard for me to find boundaries, between when seeking help causes me to think about the problem less and learn less and when it actually helps me to not waste too much time. It takes experience to find the golden mean.
Great video!
Ad no. 5: I find MathOverflow is really useful especially for proofs. In answers to question like "How to prove x?", one often find multiple ways how to prove the same things or gets interesting hints.
This is somewhat on a different tangent (pun intented), but if you develop public speaking and communication skills, plus learn to handle people, in addition to your core maths/science/engineering/tech skills, you'll run rings around people who are only good at the technical aspects of your field.
Absolutely Inspiring 💯
Thanks for this great advice!
The most important is to approach the problem from an alternative perspective.
Great work, sir. This helps so much.
You gave us for free.
the first chapter of any subject is easy to remember but as you progress on through the whole course, one tends to get hazy about the first things that you learnt
Genius is a talent for producing something for which no determinate rule can be given, not a predisposition consisting of a skill for something that can be learned by following some rule or other.
- Immanuel Kant
I'm working in sales operation, part of tje job was to learn and probably master excel. During the course of learning, i felt a lot of pain, because it was extremely hard for me because i am more of a litterate person, but despite my failures i kept going and today i'm performing decently, by no mean i'm super good but it's satisfying enough to see the fruit of my labour actually worth it.
Hey Dave, glad to see you're moving on in a positive way since your time in Van Halen. Didn't know you loved math so much. Thanks for the memories and this video.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Some of the mental models that have made the most difference in my problem solving are the following:
First Principles Thinking: essentially knowing the basics but very well defined, clarified, and understood. Mastery of the basics IS true mastery. Think of them as lego bricks that you can combine and recombine into novel structures. Creativity is essentially just combining what's already there. Begin by questioning your assumptions and gaining clarity on what's really true, this is a kind of Socratic inquiry.
Inversion: think in terms of reversal. This can be simply just doing the opposite, or it can refer to something like reverse engineering. I like to think of Judo in which the practitioner uses his opponent's power against him.
ROI Thinking: Everything you do carries an opportunity cost and is an investment of some sort. Thinking in this way allows you to get the maximum out of the minimum and trains you to think long term(second order causes).
Galileo's Jar: You can't understand a system that you are apart of, and you can't read the label from inside the jar. This is simply a reminder to change your perspective, and it can be done in limitless ways. You'll often find the solution from just switching perspectives alone.
Negative Cues: look for what should be there that isn't. A dog that didn't bark.
The Yin-Yang Effect: develop the capacity to hold contradictory ideas. This is also known as Negative Capability. Embrace uncertainty, wisdom is tolerance of cognitive dissonance. Ask yourself "why not both?" to identify possible opportunities for combination.
Systems and Synergy: Everything is a system, and thus produces some form of synergy, be it positive or negative. Keep an eye on the synergies you're inevitably producing and tweak them if necessary. One tweak can set off a chain reaction. Sequence your steps for optimal synergy(ex: perhaps you study better at a certain time of day, or prefer to exercise beforehand). It's not simply the pieces, but how they interact with one another.
Chokepoints: The best way to identify weaknesses in something is to "break" it. Use stress testing to identify flaws in your design, understanding, and uncover the first principles.
Hello, Mr. Sorceror. 😂 I am learning arithmetic again and am doing better than I thought, however, I have always had trouble with numbers themselves . I make constant mistakes, and can't add up or subtract as fast as I like, and embarassingly use my fingers sometimes I think I may have some sort of numerical disability. I will not give up, I just fear this is stunting me. Do you have any advice for people like me? Is it even possible for someone like me to learn? Perhaps, you could make a video discussing this sometime, if you can.
I also make mistakes in basic arithmetic and sometimes use my fingers. What I do is use a calculator for basic arithmetic so I don't make mistakes. And you can still learn. I have done college math up to graduate level CS so yes you can learn. I have often thought, but never actually tried, about getting arithmetic flash cards to see if that will help me with my mental calculations.
@@billc4993 Thank you for the response! I will use a calculator more. I have been using flash cards for the times tables, but some are hard for me to remember. I may buy an abacus and see if that can help. Also, congrats on your success.
I got better , I gained mathematical thinking , critical thinking I feel certain that I can solve any math problem in my level
this guy look like issac newton
Now I can’t unsee it.
You are right. It is important to not give up in case of difficulty. It is critical to collect all forces and struggle even heavier and get to the goal. When you solve the problems, you will feel like a winner and it will make you stronger for the next challenge. Giving up make you weaker.