The Mental Benefits of Studying Mathematics

These Disciplines [mathematics] serve to inure and corroborate the Mind to a constant Diligence in Study; to undergo the Trouble of an attentive Meditation, and cheerfully contend with such Difficulties as lie in the Way. They wholly deliver us from a credulous Simplicity, most strongly fortify us against the Vanity of Scepticism, effectually restrain from a rash Presumption, most easily incline us to a due Assent, perfectly subject us to the Government of right Reason, and inspire us with Resolution to wrestle against the unjust Tyranny of false Prejudices. If the Fancy be unstable and fluctuating, it is to be poized by this Ballast, and steadied by this Anchor, if the Wit be blunt it is sharpened upon this Whetstone; if luxuriant it is pared by this Knife; if headstrong it is restrained by this Bridle; and if dull it is rouzed by this Spur. The Steps are guided by no Lamp more clearly through the dark Mazes of Nature, by no Thread more surely through the intricate Labyrinths of Philosophy, nor lastly is the Bottom of Truth sounded more happily by any other Line. I will not mention how plentiful a Stock of Knowledge the Mind is furnished from these, with what wholesome Food it is nourished, and what sincere Pleasure it enjoys. But if I speak farther, I shall neither be the only Person, nor the first, who affirms it; that while the Mind is abstracted and elevated from sensible Matter, distinctly views pure Forms, conceives the Beauty of Ideas, and investigates the Harmony of Proportions; the Manners themselves are sensibly corrected and improved, the Affections composed and rectified, the Fancy calmed and settled, and the Understanding raised and excited to more divine Contemplations. All which I might defend by Authority, and confirm by the Suffrages of the greatest Philosophers.

Notes:

Understanding, meditation, abstraction, harmony, peace of mind... the list goes on and on.

Folksonomies: mathematics mental discipline discipline

Taxonomies:
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Keywords:
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Entities:
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Concepts:
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Idea (0.515999): dbpedia | freebase | opencyc
Reason (0.503589): dbpedia | freebase
Mind (0.457361): dbpedia | freebase | opencyc
Psychology (0.444194): dbpedia | freebase | opencyc
Abstraction (0.431924): dbpedia | freebase
Thought (0.428087): dbpedia | freebase | opencyc
Perception (0.407118): dbpedia | freebase | opencyc

 The usefulness of mathematical learning explained and demonstrated
Books, Brochures, and Chapters>Book:  Barrow , Isaac (1734), The usefulness of mathematical learning explained and demonstrated, Retrieved on 2011-12-16
  • Source Material [books.google.com]
  • Folksonomies: mathematics


    Triples

    30 DEC 2013

     Programming is Like Mathematics

    The Mental Benefits of Studying Mathematics > Similarity > State of Mind in a Marathon Coding Session
    Both exercises create a mindful state of mind and concentration.