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Physics

'A mathematical formula can change history'

Mathematician Edward Frenkel wants to expose the beauty of mathematics, inspire awe at its power and challenge his colleagues to wield it for good

By Jacob Aron

2 October 2013

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

“A formula can be just as powerful in terms of controlling our lives. It can alter the course of history, it can affect millions of people”

(Image: Timothy Archibald)

What is wrong with the way most of us are introduced to maths?
The way mathematics is taught is akin to an art class in which students are only taught how to paint a fence and are never shown the paintings of the great masters. When, later on in life, the subject of mathematics comes up, most people wave their hands and say “Oh no, I don’t want to hear about…

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