We Need To Talk About Self-Studying Mathematics

[@jayballauer8353]

You can fail as safely as you want when you self-study. And that won't stop your progress like it will when doing the failing within a class.

[@69erthx1138]

Lots of psychology. Learning in school and failing has a punitive feeling. Failing on your own does hurt initially, but this subsides because you continue to seek a greater understanding,.

[@Makoten-Sama]

@@69erthx1138 I still struggle with this even as a self-taught

[@fridayx02233]

studying mathematics on your own is so much more fun.

[@GPSingh-tn3zo]

You can never be on your own, God's always next to you.

[@thrasher2344]

I always relied on self study, but I relied on school to force me to do it. The since I graduated, I have not done much practice other than consume videos and reading a little.

[@megaapfel]

Hard disagree. Being stuck for hours on a simple problem because you can't find the answers in the books and not being able to ask for help is frustrating.

[@fridayx02233]

The guidance provided by this channel was to not linger too long on a single problem that doesn't seem to have a solution. It suggested that if you find yourself stuck, it's better to move on to another problem. This way, you avoid getting frustrated and can maintain a positive attitude towards learning. Remember, it's okay to skip a tough question and return to it later with a fresh perspective. Brush yourself off and move on, don't beat yourself

[@hamfan1355]

A recipe for failure

[@brownyes6211]

Self Study math especially when your older, for me has been the very best way to go. You can set your on pace. And its terrific for the mind. It's like the old saying ' you'll lose it if you don't use it.'

[@pgb9607]

I agree I bought Mathematica and some books on linear algebra as therapy to reduce the onset of dementia. I found this guy looking for videos on linear algebra. Learning a second language seems to roto-rooter the brain clogs too.

[@theboombody]

Yep. Graduate school goes WAY too fast for me. So I just decided to take a non-mathematical job and study math at my own pace as a hobby. When I go slower I get no kind of recognition from anybody, but I sure get a deeper understanding of the very few topics I'm interested in and can make time for. It takes me years to cover something that grad school probably covers in a week. But it's FAR less stress and lots more enjoyment. My understanding STILL probably isn't near as good as a student's, but it's the best I can do. Some people can learn that hard stuff fast. I can't though.

[@LarryShirley-o1q]

Your videos and reflections on self study vs. classroom study in math or any other technical subject are inspiring as to the “why” am I studying this for the pure joy! My father used to tell me when I asked him why to study geometry or trig as a carpenter was to “broaden your mind.” Older than yu think in bama:)

[@booky8391]

You’ve inspired me so much through the last 2 years of my life. I self taught myself linear algebra and now I’m gonna study the Vector Calculus book you showed in your videos!!

[@gunjanjain3126]

Hi how was ur study plan? Firstly u studied calculus and then linear algebra? Also how u studied linear algebra? Book? Courses?

[@aaron-fe4cm]

@@gunjanjain3126 i would like to know too^^^

[@gurjaskapur]

​@@gunjanjain3126you can start linear algebra after you have completed single variable calculus..but it's always best if you complete multivariable calculus and then start linear algebra

[@TorchArts]

@@gunjanjain3126 I self studied linear algebra and what i did first was learn the basics of matrix algebra and vectors. Then moved on to a practical linear algebra course note that i found in my native language (you can surely find a book, something like a "light introduction" with lots of calculation). Once you feel like you've understood that, you can move on to something more abstract like "Linear algebra done right" by axler (and at this point if you haven't, learn proofwriting, I love the book of proof by hammack, its super beginner friendly and free!) , that's what i did. Then you have a pretty good basic grasp but i definitely suggest starting from the practical side and not jumping straight in to the more abstract stuff. And calculus is not really necessary before linear algebra if you don't care for it.

[@oxpie]

You're the reason I considered writing a hard mathematics exam and oh boy am i grateful, i did not just pass the exam but got placed in the top 2 students, i really appreciate these videos

[@particleconfig.8935]

so only 1 passed it?

[@oxpie]

@@particleconfig.8935 no about 60 passed out of 700, and by what logic do you think only 1 passed

[@eh17]

@@particleconfig.8935 he not only passed the exam, but also got placed in the top 2 students. i think you misread it as "i did not pass the exam but got placed in the top 2 students"

[@cyborgbear7269]

I realized that you need a structured and logical mind (but simple and flexible schedule as you mentioned), including a lot of patience and persistence. Also, you can feel bombarded with resources, but if you filter down to the greatest minds, it'll make your learning experience less complicated and more in-depth. For example, I didn't understand Calculus in high school. However, right after I bought "Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach", by Morris Kline, and things just clicked. The same happened with understanding logic generally, where I was confused until I picked up "Introduction to Logic" by Patrick Suppes. Dover generally has a lot of great science and math resources. The best to you all!

[@christianmani1730]

I'm 65 years old and have just started to self study the Blitzer College Algebra text book based on your recommendation. I studied some math in college 45 years ago (1 year of Calculus and 1 yr statistics), but I am studying algebra again as one of my techniques to keep my brain's neuroplasticity as much as I can. I do about 45 mins of algebra every morning, and I have to say I'm actually enjoying it. I'm also studying German. So between the two I'm hoping to keep my brain as nimble as possible and stave off dementia for as long as I can.

[@douglasstrother6584]

That's great! Next: Math *in* German!

[@warzachew4343]

Me too! I also started studying math for fun and I learn german in the same time.

[@RaisiaFan1919]

Awesome. Don't forget physical exercise.

[@davenavy9960]

God bless and well said. I send my best wishes for your health!

[@petrih8332]

Blitzer book is awesome!

[@InoceramusGigas]

Just want to say you inspired me so much to pursue graduate studies in mathematics. About a year ago I was occasionally commenting regarding my self study streak (Which concluded at over 320 consective days!) in preparation to hopefully transition from Engineering to Applied Mathematics. I'm happy to share that I will be beginning my PhD in the new year! Please do your best to keep inspiring, sorcerer.

[@hollybrown887]

Preach 🙌 setting up a system that’s easy to sustain has been necessary for me. It isn’t easy to self-study and work full-time, but habit makes it easier.

[@lasselasse5215]

Senior developer here. I always struggled with trying to "get it" in school. What I should have done was to timebox, learn the pattern and let it mature until I'd hopefully get the "Why". I could easily have been the poor Feynman interviewer in the "Why" interview. Now I want to relearn math, thank you for the inspiration!

[@QQ-xx7mo]

mass and free education is what fast food are to actual restaurants

[@theboombody]

Yeah, if I was going through this stuff in school I'd have NO intuition for it. I'd cover A LOT more content though. But it's more fun for me to understand fewer things, but at least have some intuitive feel for them.

[@sethkoffler2571]

I love finding typos in problems. It keeps you on your toes, and it makes me remember the person who the book is human and makes careless mistakes like I do(but not as many)

[@christopherraines3202]

The new ChatGPT 4o Education GPTs are pretty good for an assistant/agent. Self-study is going to change across the board for education. However, nothing beats the human interaction between a good instructor and student. Just my opinion. Cheers brother!

[@farhanniazi94]

I think we live in the best time ever to self-study a subject. The internet and KZbin give us access to more resources than ever before. (Ofcourse, the caveats still apply.)

[@25478648vicky]

I miss your youtube videos! glad to see you and thank you

[@ej2953]

I can think of a number of reasons to learn math in college: 1) If doing it yourself, you don't know what is important and will be likely to gloss over things you don't understand. 2) If taking classes, you have someone to ask questions abut what you don't understand, either the teacher or other students. 3) If taking classes, you have someone to judge your solutions to problems and determine whether you did it right or wrong.

[@vlogsbyrow]

And 4) if you want a formal career in math, you have a credible track record that you actually know your stuff

[@Jaymastia]

I just want to absorb your knowledge and experience without losing my hair, man. You are awesome.

[@McFlashh]

When you're at university, you are still self studying (from lecture notes and additional reading material). University makes it more easier to learn because of the structure, however there's no doubt that anyone can self teach themselves any subject in the world.

[@PromisingPod]

Self-studying. I've taught myself math even without textbooks and just experimenting. The issue, is that sometimes you make critical and huge beginner's mistakes that can go not corrected for months of years. You can be really good, but have a huge misunderstanding about an issue. It's why accreditation exists and why degrees matter, especially in a lot of places where the safety of people is concerned, like engineering or equipments or any other applications of maths. Studying is still good, and perhaps if there were forums or message boards where people could ask questions, that can help. That's unfortunately not too popular nowadays. You can definitely teach yourself algebra, calculus. The other issue is that you might need multiple textbooks, because as you would well know, Sorcerer, all textbooks have different strengths and weaknesses. Also a lot of the upper level math textbooks tend to be concise and esoteric and almost written in a way that only the few people can understand, like they don't want certain knowledge to be accessible. Like Einstein said, if you jnderstand something, you should be able to explain it simply. Anyway, learning by textbooks is time-consuming, but a great way to learn any skill. The best part is that you can go at your own pace.

[@Christopher_Stead]

I'll be turning 36 in a few months and I've always regretted my lack of math and, frankly, the lack of respect I paid to both the subject and my teachers in high school. I just didn't care for it at all. What little I did learn has long since atrophied to the point where even my arithmetic need to be properly re-learned. It's inexcusable. People have told me I'm wasting my time wanting to learn calculus etc. when I have no direct, practical need for it, but to someone who has never even grasped the basic concepts, it does seem like a kind of sorcery; magical incantations that allow you to model the world and express predictions. Time to crack open my dusty copy of Quick Arithmetic, I suppose...

[@WitchidWitchid]

There is nothing wrong with learning a subject even if you are not planning to apply it to a job or making money. Just wanting to know is a good enough reason to learn math.

[@snuffbox2006]

If you can make it to a place where you understand derivatives and some basic integrals, you will get a chance as a human being to see that humanity came from primitive beginnings and Isaac Newton invented a language "Calculus" to describe the phenomenon of objects in motion that he was obsessed with. Then you can take a peek at the Maxwell equations that describe the behavior of electricity and magetism so simply and elegantly, allowing us to harness their properties and build sophisticated devices to make life easier (though arguably not simpler) than our predecessors

[@Christopher_Stead]

@@snuffbox2006 Good to know, thanks!

[@theboombody]

Differential calculus is pretty easy if you have a good teacher. There's probably good videos of it on youtube but I don't know any. I tried to make a really easy one on the fundamental theorem of calculus, but it's harder to convey understanding than it looks.

[@Christopher_Stead]

@@theboombody Calculus Made Easy has always had good reviews, I'll give it a shot eventually

[@pygmalionsrobot1896]

This is absolutely correct. And for people who need college calculus for engineering, my advice is to self-study that book and solve every single problem before you ever set foot in the classroom. That is the way successful people do it. You simply cannot learn calculus at the pace they are going in a typical classroom. You MUST self study prior to taking the class. Just solve the problems as if they were crossword puzzles and you will absolutely ACE Calc I, II, III & IV.

[@salvia5812]

something that does help a ton with self-study is interacting with people who are passionate about the same thing. it inspires you and reignites the passion you feel towards the topic, and even if it felt dull before, it feels brand new when you just get out of your head and talk to people. hearing others talk about their love towards the topic cleanses you of any doubts you felt prior. sometimes you just need reassurance

[@douglasstrother6584]

The social element is invaluable.

[@israelsalazar1371]

Where do you find people? Almost nobody likes doing difficult/productive things.

[@salvia5812]

@@israelsalazar1371 that’s the baseline for sure, but that’s why you need to branch out to find a social bubble relevant to you. i love theory and i found people on discord through a theory server. i was invited on it via instagram and i even ended up meeting my boyfriend in the community. sadly you need to dig through a lot of shit to find community nowadays, because the social media spheres are oversaturated, people are obsessed with aesthetics/appearances over substance, or chasing internet clout points. it’s easy to get disheartened, but there are always people out there who are equally if not even more passionate about the thing you like. you usually find them by chance. just stay passionate about your interests and don’t compromise even when others don’t want to put in the effort. it’s difficult but it pays off, mainly to yourself, but the byproduct can eventually be genuine human connection.

[@walkerred8220]

My biggest piece of advice is learning to understand concepts and ideas before learning the process and application. Don't start with short readings and problems - that's a pit fall a lot of people fall into. Don't be afraid to start with the very basics, and don't be afraid to question. While mathematics is a very technical field, with a lot of rules and techniques, the core fundamentals stay the same throughout. Question why it is we do things the way that we do, question the stories of the early mathematicians and their ilk, and then apply it in what you already know before starting the newer work. It's boring, but I guarantee it'll help a lot. Many people can do maths, few people understand it, and even fewer know the reason why we do specific things the way that we do. Understanding maths like a language is far more important, I've come to learn, than completing something quickly

[@Zaguzah]

I am really loving this cosy background!

[@1tubax]

This is an insane video. I've literally went through what you said just 2 months ago, and I've done heavy introspecting on it. Having a good reason is extremely important when planning to do anything for more than a month. If that reason/goal doesn't tingle your entire body when you think about it, you'll very likely not be able to overcome the burnout phase. I couldn't overcome it because my reason was shallow... Looking huge btw, keep the great content up 🤝 i love your maths videos but i dont comment on them, this one really hit me close to the feels

[@davidfrancknkotnguene6386]

I feel so relieved when I watch your videos bc this how I do feel when I self-study maths esp graduate maths. The motivation really starts fading.

[@AaVictor]

You really give me goosebumps! I have this problem right now, gonna keep grinding now. Thanks a lot! Btw, I've bought your Cal 2 on Udemy thank you.

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Awesome and thank you!!

[@lkern6238]

I love your math comedy videos. You have a natural talent and are very funny.😂

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Thank you so much 😁

[@ChristopherEGr33n33]

Holy shit this sound quality is awesome

[@lucasblanc1295]

I think that too. It sounds really warm, must be his room.

[@mattoucas869]

Self-studying is more focused on studying as opposed to getting grades as you would in a class.

[@Lolleka]

Take the classes if you can. If you meet the right teacher it makes so much of a difference. When you are done with good classes, continue on your own. People mostly just need some help to discover their own way to learn, the they can feed on curiosity and gain momentum on their own.

[@ЕвгенияЛысенко-у4н]

Totally agree on creating a routine since we have a finite pool of willpower, and so with the routine, we don't have to use any willpower at all.💪

[@orsonyancey4131]

Late in life I started to self-study in Mathematics. I discovered more love for Mathematics later in life.

[@ratulhossain751]

🫀I just love mathematics.I feel mathematics in the core of my heart. And I want to be an engineer in future and a mathematician in far future. Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩

[@RMRRafa]

Thank you! I did engineering for a couple of years but felt voids in my fundamental understanding of math. I'm now reading a precalculus book, taking my time to grasp every concept and the reason behind everything. Really enjoing it. It's so different doing it to satisfy my own curiosity. My ultimate goal is to understand discrete diferential geometry for computational design and not feel I've hit a wall everytime an equation pops up when reading papers on the subject. Thanks for your advise!

[@amrendra.kushwaha]

The beautiful advice in the video transcends beyond studying maths, perhaps applicable in all the aspects of learning and life. I am a medical student and maths comes much less often less than any other field but I always adored the mathematics in me and you have helped me to keep that interest alive. So thank you for your advices, they do mean a lot to people like me. Keep going, keep growing. Best wishes!

[@ee_li]

I needed to hear this. Thank you 🙏

[@mikhailkorobeinikov7524]

I feel like this applies to self-studying things in general, not just mathematics.

[@Ray0.Ray1]

Nice camera quality! Love this look!

[@CurtTomato]

"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems" - James Clear (Atomic Habits) We all share the goal to learn math and as you mentioned some "make it" and some don't. What differentiates these people are the small actions they take everyday to simply get better at math. Much like the example you gave of conquering the day by getting your math study out of the way every morning. In other words, as Brian Tracy would say, eating that frog. Another great video and always love these more discussion type videos.

[@simeonbanner6204]

I've been learning Korean for about 14 years. Everything he says is true. Motivation is really hard after the beginning phase. You have to have some routine, when it's all just mud in your mind. What does everybody seek: some skill for not much effort: business, money, languages but it just doesn't happen like that.

[@WitchidWitchid]

I like the old math books for the reason that they tend to be quite rigorous in their approach to the various math topics and they don;t hold much, if anything back. Plus, the math itself is still 100% valid despite the age of the book. I have learned a lot of math via books ranging from books that are brand new recently published books to math books that were published well over 100 years old.

[@fotograf736]

I find the narrative style of older books much better.

[@minratos6215]

the one thing i find intimidating about textbooks is the number of exercises. there is usually a lot. dozens of them, actually, per chapter. i wish they were separated into 'required' and 'okay to skip for now' or something.

[@结实反流]

yeah, thought about it too

[@AB-uy2vh]

mine does separate them into required and 'okay to skip'

[@结实反流]

@@AB-uy2vhreally?😵‍💫which ones??

[@CaioCodes]

@@AB-uy2vhwhat is yours? I want one like that

[@gabrielplzdks3891]

Casella and Berger with 50 exercises per chapter

[@davidhaller7306]

Most of my self study of mathematics has been in the context of physics; for example, as a young student studying hybrid atomic orbitals, I encountered group theory, and so found myself delving into group theory. It's quite a common pastime for physicists, who tend to raid mathematics for tools. (Of course Galois theory is elegant enough to be enjoyed on its own merits, mathematician-style.) I remember Edward Witten, at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study, being seen with a copy of Alain Connes' "Noncommutative Geometry" - a case of self-study, surely - and suddenly string theorists were all looking into the subject. Power of FOMO! I can think of so many examples of physics-initiated self study of mathematics: an interest in "magic numbers" in nuclear stability theory leads to a study of Ramsey Theory (which came about after a discussion with a mathematician friend), wanting to explore non-Gaussian scalable processes leads to study of Mandelbrot's statistics, etc. Certain pastimes lead naturally into self-study of math, I think: woodworking, origami, gaming, investing, and so on.

[@playversetv3877]

im not currently taking any maths classes in university right now, maybe its a bit of maths here and there , but this video and others are transferrable to other studies. i think this is one of the channels relating to education , studying and maths that i will always come back to . and this is coming from someone who hated highschool maths and never thought about looking at them in university lol

[@OrdenJust]

I wonder. Have you ever had a student who self-studied a course, and then after he or she attained a certain level of mastery, took a formal course in that very same subject? Why might one do such a thing? Because self-study is one thing, and self-testing is another kettle of fish entirely. One can study chess from a book, but until one sits down and plays an opponent, one cannot be sure how good (or bad) one really is.

[@yawsanevruh1116]

I think self-studying prior to taking the formal course is effective, because self-studying exposes you to the content and ideas early. What you learn from self-studying then marinates in your brain, so that when you take the actual course for it, it will feel more like review or reinforcement of those topics you learned. This often leads you to a better understanding of the topics the 2nd time around, and you likely won’t have to study so much either. Not related to math, but since I’m a CS major, I have to take a course in Data Structures. I’ve always heard this class is difficult. So, I self-studied it for about a month before the semester began. I ended up acing all of the assignments and I was always the first student to learn the content very quickly and answer the professor’s in-class questions correctly because I already exposed myself to this material in advance, which gave my brain time to process it.

[@acrane3496]

@@yawsanevruh1116Yes! self studying has to be ultra effective because lots of videos on being successful in classes rely on reading assigned chapters before classes then reviewing the material after class. Self studying say a month like in your case is the much better version of this since you would’ve read all or a month’s worth of chapters and the class itself becomes the review.

[@jacobroberts1655]

I self studied calc 1 and then took it at school, got a 96.4. I did it to make sure I was prepared for the class. I highly recommend doing so. If you self study something, then when you take it is just review and there's virtually no pressure. I'm currently self studying calc 2 this summer so I can breeze through it during the fall semester.

[@WitchidWitchid]

Prior to taking a formal course in multi variable calculus I self studied it during winter recess. When the semester began and I was taking the actual course I found that I already knew most of what was covered in the actual class. Self study helped a lot and put me way ahead of the game when it came down to taking the course.

[@shanggosteen9804]

Self studying olympiad mathematics has been such an endeavour from me, but yet I'm still motivated by your videos to keep gping, thank you!

[@Köennig]

I just started reading your book recommendation for beginner algebra. Your book lists are so helpful!

[@cosminm5565]

you have more passion and will - making studying and comprehending faster/// college is more formal, that's why college is garbage (if you have relations or are rich, you can pass any college 'paying the right people'), if you're a normal person like all of us, then taking correctly college exams is a challenge (not in math, but in all the fields!). Conclusion, self-study - your pacing + self-will (not imposed for passing an exam or getting a specific grade), diminishing anxiety and concentrating more (you learn more about yourself) ... I think the future of education should be 'DIY' than 'official institution that make idiots with diplomas - see the new generations'... Conclusion 2 - combine videos, books, notes etc. the more senses you use, the faster you will learn... cheers.

[@roberthambrook150]

I needed a break for a while from math. It mystifies me what I remember and what takes a long time to learn. I backtrack and try to find a point to restart from. My intention, as a senior, is to get to a point where I could do, what you call, college level math.

[@엉덩이먹는사람]

I have low tolerance for frustration at this moment and on my past, and I really struggled with going on without motivation, my brain always tells me to leave it and give up, it's hard work, but I'm working on it and learning to shut down that part of my brain that keeps seducing me to distract or to succumb to vices, fuck that great video really resonated with me

[@juaneliasmillasvera]

This thing touch me directly, I am a self-tough in a few topics, mostly mathematics, I did not go to college and my father is retired from collage-teaching nowadays… and even him in some point agreed with my decision. The fact is in my opinion that in middle of XX century in a little village of a developed country you could not self study a good level, much worst in a country without mathematics tradition. Now, with internet and the right indications from outside and inside academy you can be equal or superior formed like in universities from any part of the world. In my opinion, with free KZbin content, a few good books (choosing it wisely) and internet free applications (calculators/tests) to exercise, consulting encyclopedias to ensure you do not reinvent the well and most important enough time to really focus in study... you will be fine, more than fine. Good luck everyone.

[@desireemidd]

I'm in Calculus online and our instructor does not provide lectures. We have the textbook and the videos that come with the textbook. That's it.

[@HappyFlowerDE]

For not burning out: I use two fibonacci sequences: I do so much until I feel fatigued (1) take rest for the same time (1). I do so much until I fatigue (1), take rest for the same time (1), I do so much that I feel one down, push myself and get to another fatigue (2), I take a brake for the same time (2). learn (3), rest (3), active (5), passive (5). So as you can see I have the same time of downtime as i have time for learning (two fibonacci sequences alternating, active, passive). The time scales by the fibonacci, 1 1 2 3 5.... On this way I feel a bit more frustration at the beginning because I can't speeeeeeeeed, so I can kit my motivation. After some time I'll have (somewhere around 21) phases where I feel like the learning becomes long, but the same down time keeps me in my rest, yet pushes my motivation. With this method I learned to keep on track for months on end, never burning out. Learning complex tasks is not a race, it's a marathon. Slow, steady, and bring on the power the further you go.

[@ofmyheart034]

In my school days, when I used to solve mathematics ' questions and see their answers in the answers, which are given at the end of the text book, I become very happy, when the answers were correct, and become very sad, when the answers were wrong. Like my comment who all have experienced like this in their school days.

[@Drganguli]

I remember that we had to offer math courses in the engineering department as the students would come back with too many D grades from calculus and linear algebra courses from the math departments

[@LHydro]

I took some classes and started collecting the workbooks you suggested along with some Shaum’s books. It is so fun rn being on summer break to know enough to sift through them. To start on chapter one and proceed to the next chapters when I get bored of the previous bc I actually have no stress and only time rn to grasp it and work on a manageable amount of problems. I hated school last semester but taking a break and being able to breathe into the math books I choose is so much better. I like math more than piano rn. That is the opposite of last semester 😂❤ PS. I love when you smell the math books, I am not alone on this! Are there more like us?? Hehe PPS. Thank you for speaking about burn out. It hit me so hard last semester to the point where I had to find resources. Things got ugly 🤦🏼‍♀️ so no. Not that random. Pretty relevant❤

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Awesome!!! Thank you for this comment!!!!!!

[@theok.p6501]

I've just finished giving some exams so to go to a university (its a thing we have here in Greece idk if its the same somewhere else). I was waking up in the mornings and within half hour I had grabbed my book and I was reading theory/solving exercises for 4~6 hours. That were happening for 9 months straight (exept 3~4 days). Now that I have finished I almost feel weird for not studying (like I felt at the begging having to wake up and study). My advice is just not think about it a lot when you wake up. You 'll end up procrastinating. Make a study plan. Write down your goals and the time you are willing to allocate to complete them. PS. Math Sorcerer I can say that you were the person that motivated me somewhere in the middle of the year to wake up and grab the book to study. I really appreciate that. You are making really good videos and really motivational some times.

[@larryyonce]

I majored in math in college and enjoyed the experience, but self-study is the way to go in my opinion. The only book we completed cover-to-cover (and it was over 1000 pages) was the calculus sequence, but that was over 3 semesters. No other math course I took did we come even close to completing the whole text; hard to do anyway in a one quarter or one semester time frame. With self-study you can take things slower and cover everything in the text, if you're interested and motivated enough. I've done that.

[@wwatkin21]

I recently had this experience where I found a mistake in an algebra book I’m going through and it absolutely destroyed me. I spent so much time frantically trying to determine if I had missed a concept by going through ALL the previous material. Then putting the problem through calculators and apps. Long story short I discovered that the book was wrong and ironically it shot my confidence all to hell. I’ve spent SO many hours trying to teach myself math and this made me feel like I’m just too dumb to get this stuff. When you said “I feel like I should know more” I felt that. This simple problem shouldn’t have frustrated me so much but it did.

[@69erthx1138]

A professional math class taker...you remind me so much of my friend Ryan. Dentist by trade that has three PhD's in math based subjects. Our first conversation occured in 1999 about Strum-Liouville equation.

[@anniesizemore3344]

Talking about easy math books-for me, some Calculus are surprisingly easier than others. I don't like saying any math is easy. But I think Calculus books without trigonometry are easier for me. I mean, Calculus by Marvin Bittinger is easier for me than Calculus by James Stewart. I have the 1 semester 8 chapter version of the Bittinger book. I try to keep a routine too. I do dance workouts and lots of walking as part of my routine and exercise. I did about 15 math problems today. Working through the most simple math right now: adding, subtracting and multiplying polynomials. Its so simple to do. .For a challenge, I do some calculus later tonight

[@claudiovenanzi604]

Regarding topology, I've just bought a book from Hilton and Wilie on algebraic topology from the sixties that assumes absolutely no previous knowledge and I will use it to teach myself the basics of topology needed to understand another book on rational homotopy that I bought on a whim before.

[@Envi-jm8mi]

I'm lost, thank you for making this video. Your efforts are appreciated.

[@Mathematica702]

Thanks for that advice! It’s difficult to impose discipline, but a regular schedule is obviously very important. Perhaps most important. Thanks again.

[@ShaunLovesMaths]

Watching your videos motivates me so much! Thank you!

[@NM-zh1mv]

if you just follow the motivation, sooner or later it will disappear, and you will give up. I think creating a routine and sometimes doing things just for the pleasure of learning new stuff is essential. subscribed:)

[@red1bk190]

I love how you get goosebumps when you say something powerful yourself lol

[@komlatselougou8369]

I am math teacher and I am learning CS. I watch for motivation. Thanks! Hello from Togo.

[@panosbbb]

thank you Dr.Jeff Bezos

[@millamulisha]

If Jeff Bezos had hair kinda sort of 😂

[@O_fundamentalista]

Lol wtf now I cannot unsee

[@Wingedmagician]

Buff Bezos

[@martinhawrylkiewicz2025]

Thanks Math Sorcerer for recommending How to Prove it by Daniel Velleman... I'm self-studying math proofs, logic, and set theory using this book.... Doing it daily for an hour or two. Currently on chapter 4 on Relations. I carry that book with me everywhere, with a notebook for exercises. It's so much fun.

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Awesome!!

[@Hi-Phi]

That's great! I am also learning from that book and am nearing the end of Chapter 3 (page 104) .It's really straightened a few things out for me. Fantastic book.😊

[@martinhawrylkiewicz2025]

@@Hi-Phi Chapter 4 on relations is a bit hairy, starts easy and then you get so many new definitions to keep track of...and the exercises are a bit tricky...

[@ohwow2074]

The reason I tend to finish my hobby software projects is the goal in my mind that makes me never quit despite heavy burnout. Those goals are sensible and I'm able to think about them. This is not the case for learning math at least for me personally.

[@CosmiqPenguin]

I have a textbook about astrodynamics and space systems engineering. It has lots of math in it. When I was younger I struggled with math, but my interest in the subject matter has given me lots of confidence in understanding math.

[@aminmohammadi9308]

This page is amazing just amazing!!!! I was reading measure theory today and was so confused and lost my motivation. This is just coincidence but this video was helpful! And one more thing, Im not math student but self studying math and the motivation is at some points learn geometric analysis and become expert in PDE. I think math is the language of nature and learning one page of it helps you to talk with nature. So so so much thanks for your videos!

[@lanchanoinguyen2914]

Not just about math,i think self study is the only way to go,it has always been ourselves but we didn't realize.I hate to learn through other's perspectives,i wish to learn from the most basic of math,from the mighty greek philosophers.Then i can be twice as good then since i understand it deep enough.There are bad teachers who just don't care,you do stuffs without knowing anything,you may fail at something and being labeled as bad student,then you lack motivation and forget how good you actually were.

[@sellanraa]

You are such a constant source of inspiration. Thanks for what you do.

[@ooh29]

Your videos are the best videos about math, actually. I study math because I have a hunger for it. And the morning is the best time of the day to do it that’s true

[@Fewawidood]

I started out in college as a physics major, and I tried to do a math major when that failed, which only lasted another semester before I switched to Political Science. Being in college as a teenager just wasn't the time for me to excel in math. Maybe it had to do with effort and organization, but I think the pressure was sort of an insurmountable factor at the time. I'm not self-studying math at the moment, more so reading books on logic and philosophy of mind, but the idea of self-studying math at some point is really appealing. While I've found a field and a career path that I enjoy outside of math, the initial appeal that math had - the search for truth - is coming back to me, and it feels like I'm reconnecting with myself in a way by becoming interested in math again. Doing so without feeling like my whole future depends on it just seems much more reasonable.

[@lazmotron]

Great Video. Love all your videos, both channels.

[@MCJSA]

My self study "routine" is to write x units of 30 minute math study blocks onto my daily "to do" list. Then I set my timer for 30 minutes and work until the bell. Then cancel that from my "to do" list. If I do more than I planned, I add those as I do them and strike them off. I try to do two every day. Using a timer helps me a lot to complete if I'm bored or to stop before I burn out. I'm usually not bored by it though. Anything counts for "self study" - working through problems, reading in a book, watching videos... .

[@GeorgeEpting]

Your absolutely right but books can help for things you didn't see yet but absolutely you yourself will learn more doing it yourself and you'll always need something to compare it to and for me it is always the question😊

[@maxnewman2440]

I think that it's true, to learn anything well you need some kind of external resources eventually, but there are some hidden benefits to self-studying as well. Primarily, I don't think I could ever be successful in mathematics if I were to go to school for it, particularly because when you go to school to learn a subject, you are not just having to learn the subject, you are having to learn the subject on a time limit and are somewhat trapped learning specific things. Self study is great because it allows a person like me to take as long as I feel I need to understand and enjoy what I'm learning without any pressure, and at any point I have the option to go off on a tangent to look harder at the things I am interested in because there is absolutely nothing to lose in doing so. Furthermore, many professors seem to have no issue if you as an outsider ask to sit in on their lectures. I mean, you aren't paying so you're not going to get a degree or anything, but if you just sit in the back to listen in, I don't think most people have a problem with that (also considering that if you have questions, you might want to hold onto them to research yourself or ask when everyone else is gone so as to not take any time away from the paying students). But it is very interesting what resources actually exist for self-study when you really consider what you could try. I also wanted to say thank you, and that I enjoy your videos a great deal. I have started on one of your recommended books (discrete mathematics with applications by Susanna Epp) and as someone who previously disliked math, I am enjoying working through it quite a lot.

[@frozenturtl827]

as a person who is trying to self study... a lot of math recently, it's kinda goddamn hard. resources are hard to find for free or even cheap, i don't know who to ask for help unless someone on youtube has done it, and the motivation itself is hard to get. But, it's been somewhat fun, trying to understand things completely. I think it's gonna be fun and worth it, which is why im doing it. haven't watched the full video yet, this is just my initial 2 cents.

[@Ghetto_Bird]

So helpful, it's just good to be reminded of these things once in a while. Thank you ❤

[@dundun3687]

I feel like university study gives me direction, but admittedly you do need to learn it yourself. It's sort of the same with CS. Near impossible to learn without direction, but to get the most out of it, you need to put in the effort yourself.

[@ayarsunbird1744]

Thank you so much for your video, ive been struggling with self-studying but i do definitely think i need to be patient with myself

[@marfmarfalot5193]

As a physicist, when looking to learn QFT and high energy physics I found myself shat in the face with high level differential geometry, group theory, analysis, and some algebraic topology. Its taken nearly a year but through self study I’ve been able to just grasp the key things. Diffeo isomorphism still tricks me though

[@whitb62]

This is great but there is one part I disagree with. Mathematics compared to any other subject, especially among the other STEM fields is kind of ideal for self study. With things like physics, chemistry, and biology you really need the physical/hands on aspects of it such as labs. Universities give you access to equipment and resources that would be near impossible to get on your own. Mathematics is an aprioi field, requiring only pencil, paper, and maybe a textbook. This is kind of one of the most incredible and unique things about the subject. And with things like AI developing, having a personal tutor with you at all times makes it an even easier field to do alone.

[@MiroMai]

If you lose motivation, pick more subjects! If you study something in the day you don't have to it makes the whole day easier. You can set your own pase for it. This gives you the feeling of control. I think many people give up, because they feel like it gets too much and they are losing control over their time.

[@nosleep7026]

You have to study "on your own" anyways because only you can process the information and translate that in your system. Might as well learn it this way. Sure sometimes it can be cool and enlightening to talk to a peer in the field but most of it is within reach if you have good resources.

[@kevingonzalez2120]

new camera? loving the new look!

[@pgb9607]

First thing in the morning to study math. This is very important. I lived an accidental experiment taking a math course that I can not even remember at this moment. If I attended the night class VS studying first thing in the morning before work the difference in my performance was shocking to me. By the end of the semester I figured that fifteen minutes studying in your underwear before starting the day was worth more than the three hour session at night school, a lot more.

[@ussdfiant]

My goal for self study is to become a n amateur number theorist. I am currently almost finished Blitzer’s Algebra for College students.

[@NelsonStJames]

The school environment is great for some subjects, but I think that's more due to the structure. I utterly failed at mathematics during my time in school, and developed all types of math anxiety over that. It wasn't until I decided to give self-study a try that I even began to believe I had some hope. It must be taken into account that the ways of teaching math ( and a lot of other subjects ) is probably much different in the 2000s than they were back in the 1970s.

[@TheFartoholic]

One piece of advice I'd give is to have a pet mathematical problem that you can tackle over the long term, rather than the 20 minutes you'd normally devote to an exercise question. It can be related to your work or your hobbies - just make it interesting enough that you think about it even when you're not studying.

[@benfowler1134]

Actual class time is beneficial for the tacit knowledge you get from a real teacher -- not just the material, but what is important, and why.

[@fotograf736]

Thanks for this video. I think a very big problem with self studying math is lack of universal and standardized certification. Let's say I want to move a little ahead of my math in college and study intro. to topology, and I crammed for 6 months, finished the book, all the exercises and everything. I have nothing to show for it to the outside world, because as far as I know there's no universally accepted certificate that says this person has completed this portion of math within the generally accepted hierarchy of math that I can put on my CV. So outside of the high tuition high cost world of academic degrees, there's very little to prove that a person has self-learned that specific subject at this time. Don't get me wrong, I love math even though it has tortured me a lot sometimes, I would study it even in prison (hypothetically), but there must be some record of achievement beyond the pleasure and at the moment I don't think there is.

[@coldflames6927]

That's the funny part. Conventional school does not work in my favor because of the way I learn. If a professor tries to vocally explain something to me, I process around 20 to 30% of the information I'm being told. Whereas if I actually sit down and read and re-read and then look up explanations and videos, I process 100% of the info. Students are a burden to me because I tend to work solo. I dont use the other resources the school provides and I would find it too much of a hassle to get a tutor. So more often than not it was just me and a book. And I got real good grades.

[@scotthamill8131]

I love self study but being pushed and forced to perform at university is what really developed my maths skills.

[@mgarner7439]

When we lose motivation we listen to the Math Sorcerer! ❤

[@srallulrich]

Math is extremely hard. From a perspective of becoming a professional mathematician, getting a PhD is a necessity. But it is stupid to think that passing all the math courses will get you to that level when you can contribute to modern mathematics. The point is, it is all about self-study. All branches of math are enormous, it's just impossible to fit all the necessary knowledge and skills one has to acquire to become a mathematician into few years of undergrad + grad school. You have to study most of it on your own in addition to what they guve you in college, that's just what it takes to become an expert in math