Thanks for the very encouraging words, man! I failed a numerical analysis course in college and never recovered from it. I dropped out and ever since then, I have felt like the biggest failure. However, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I have tried to be objective about it. I have decided to go back and retake that class, and I hope to ace it this time, with God's help!
Rocky is a highly underrated movie franchise. Yes, it's extremely cheesy, but contains very deep messages. That being said, when things don't work out, it's because it was not meant to be...things never happen at the right or wrong time...they just happen. For things to go as planned many factors need to be aligned and in the right order. My take on this subject is: make the best of what life gives you. If life gives you lemons make lemonade, if life gives you onions sauté them, if life gives you rocks use them to hunt. I planned to go to a top school for my Ph.D., I ended going to a smaller school. I had a huge heartbreak from a former GF just as I was starting grad school. But, where I am I met my wife, have my kid, have a better job than I thought I would have and my money worries are almost non-existent and have time for leisure and personal activities. In the end, it all works out!
Wise words indeed. Another aspect of learning that has long baffled me is the emphasis on competition in school settings. Why must learning be a competitive sport? This competitive aspect seems to take the joy out of learning for many people, myself included.
I think this needs to be acknowledged more. Even the brightest of students can get stuck and need some time to re-evaluate. Unfortunately college is all about "either go fast, or suffer extreme financial strain". The amount of people willing to help is abysmally small. College should be a place of learning, not processing students. When I was a student (CS and Mathematics) the teaching assistents were far and few between, making it infeasible for them to offer anything but superficial support. Professors wouldn't even care or have time to react to emails. We even had a course with a 50% passing rate called "A general introduction to mathematics" that had the professor claim people with a failed mid-term should re-consider their studies. It's disgusting how little empathic college is sometimes and how unwilling we are to offer even the littlest of leeway.
You made this video for me. I’m going through this exactly and I’m encouraged to not quit but come back again. I still believe it will work again with my hard work.
I was a graduate student in my PhD of statistics coming from a computational physics background, and we were required to take a measure theory course. I had never even taken an analysis course. I tried my ever-living butt off and barely passed at the graduate level (71%). I was beside myself but realized I had a huge weakness. I checked my ego, buckled down, took some baby courses in analysis, studied and studied, read through books on measure theory, took a different graduate course on measure theory, and crushed it (93%). It was a big eye-opener that I had to take charge of what I needed to know to be able to do mathematics at a graduate level, and figure out what I didn't know.
Mental illnesses ruled my life for the most part where the first half went in destigmatising the impact the second half went in reaching out to people (Mental health experts) which was obviously rockier than I expected and now back into life and mathematics trying to rebuild a life that once felt lifeless, i feel more livelier than I have in years... sometimes life really sucks the daylights out of you and you begin to hate every bit of your existence, to all those people out there working on smth be it Mathematics, personal growth or just trying to put your shit together to get through the days, cheers to you!! We r in this together!!!! Lets seize the day🎉 #CarpeDium
Guys i don't know if someone will ever read this, but i wish you success in life and of course it's likely gonna be hard. For me it's tough, sometimes i ask myself whether i'm doing the right thing, if i was aiming to work at X, Y, Z place, it was tough enough that eventually lead to apply for MC Donalds
I very much resonate with this. Studying electrical engineering, I’m going to need an extra year to graduate, because I failed numerous courses. However, I’ve not given up yet and I’m starting to feel my knowledge improving every day. Thank you, for these wise words. It feels good to hear from someone else that you aren’t a failure for striking out the first time. ❤
taking an extra year will serve you well in the long run. you get the chance for the material to really "soak in". Also consider: people getting straight A's aren't really getting their money's worth. If you are doing that well, you aren't being challenged. If you are doing poorly in some classes, but not in others, you are probably exactly where you need to be. In athletics, dance and martial arts, you always start out in a 'failing state', and practice until you get good. But somehow this concept is missed in academics. The ideal is to shoot for mastery on the first try. This model is broken. The person who gets a "C" average through the entirety of university is someone who demonstrates the ability to consistently progress through challenging material, gaining ability with every step, with little recognition or reinforcement.
I have to agree with what you are saying. Sometimes things just don't work out. With the help of time and the never give up attitude, things work out. Very wise words Prof.
Great video. I’m currently having major issues with anxiety outside of studying math which is hurting my study a lot. It’s really stressful, and bad timing for sure.
When I encounter problems in Mathematics, the first thing I do is to try to identify the problem, namely why I got it wrong. Usually, I try to work on similar problems, maybe some simpler or some harder ones to fully size up my wrong understanding. Simply put, knowing what I don't understand. Next, how to overcome the challenge? Talk to some like-minded people, not that someone is able to help you, but it helps off load the stress build up in your mind. By talking frequently about it, the difficulty becomes clearer. Finally, fixing the problem. Find some related books to read, not the book that gave the probl3m. This is especially helpful with easier books. Not only to rebuild your confidence in the subject, but also to chance upon something that I might have overlook. Doing the problem differently will be another step in the right direction.
Dude. This is the video I needed right now. Going through very hard times, never been more defeated than now. Thanks for giving me some strength, even tho I never seen you before and my problems not related to math
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for posting this video. I'm back in school finally finishing the degree I started back in 2008. I have epilepsy & a concussion during a seizure in late 2009 made finishing school impossible for me then. Normally I'm pretty good at math but when I have frequent seizures, I have a harder time reading, focusing & often experience dyscalculia. In fact, even thinking too hard can give me a seizure when it gets bad. I was so scared to go back despite always continuing to be thoroughly fascinated with mathematics. This last January I started school again & I was very successful until this term. Something about the fall makes the epilepsy flare & I made a choice to try to take three 400 level math classes this term, not really taking that seriously enough. About a week ago I withdrew from one of my classes. I suspect I'm not only going to pass the other two but probably end up with a reasonable grade in both but nevertheless it feels like defeat. Algebra is one of my very favorite subjects, I spent my whole summer off watching videos on Ring theory. Today in particular I've been feeling really down about it because it feels too close to what happened in 2009. Seeing this video helped a lot! There will be other times for me to study abstract algebra.
Your enthusiasm for math is almost contagious. Probably one of the few non-harmful infections. I discovered your channel just a couple of day ago. With respect to your point of unfairness: I seriously believe future generations will have an algorithm for that. Greetings from Germany
As someone who started a career on physics with a ver low level of math and i mean very low, not even knowing what an equation was, or even in my life listening about mathematical logic, and being born on a low class family, i can relate so much to this, so many times being frustrated about doing bad on my subjects and dont knowing exactly why and how could i fix it. Eventually i tried to flow with it, being patient and accepting that i cant learn everything with one reading. Currently it keeps happening but due to other reasons outside the career, but now i feel like i can fight it.
In my experience, sometimes you just have to give your brain time to get to grips with new ideas or difficult problems. You take a break and perhaps let it sink in for a few days. The subconscious seems to continue to deal with it. And when you try again, things often go better.
Best comment here. I think your correct about new ideas/problems having to sink in, it’s like your brain needs time to adjust itself to attack/work out the problems your working on.
So true. Not everyone has the opportunity or fortune of having taken all pre-requisites in the linear order assumed by a teacher or author, and this an really throw you off too. The right time often comes later, when you've absorbed more knowledge or had a chance to digest the bigger picture.
To be completely honest I probably will fail my calculus 2 class due to laziness and not working hard enough. I don’t know why its so hard for me to sit there and focus on math for a long period of time. I do enjoy the feeling of understanding math but I also get very discouraged when I don’t understand the math I am doing, which has been majority of this semester. Thank you for this video, as it has given me hope to try again (If I do fail).
Some days, I'm more dumb than others. Some days, I can see an algebraic expression and extract the variable I want in my head, and then another day I can't do it and have to take it step by step. I've learned not to fight it. Whatever my capability is on a particular day, or inability, I just go with it. One could stress over it, but there's no use in that, just do the best you can whatever that day gives you. A big reason for my variability in ability is how well I slept that night.
Although I'm not in college yet, I'm a high school student who loves math. Even though I may not be the best at it, I always strive to solve complex problems. I have a deep desire to expand my knowledge in mathematics, challenge myself, and learn more. Your encouraging words and advice serve as great motivation for me. I appreciate your channel and videos immensely. Thank you for being an inspiration. With warm regards, a viewer from Mongolia.
Math strengthens the brain as it exercises it but too much of it could burn the brain. One needs to moisten it from time to time with philosophy and literature.
All I have to say is thank you so much I needed to hear this. I'm doing horrible in calc 2 and basically gonna fail the class, but you gave me hope to try again next semester thank you!
Needed this. Math and ca major in my 7th year about to finish up, I do well or adequate in all my major classes, but would have to fail or drop classes due to severe depression and family issues. Trying my best to finish up strong. So many people dont understand the love for Mathematics and how hard it can be. Love your channel.
Thank you Math Sorcerer. I am also at the same circle that there are times that I wanted to spend time with family, spend time on my phone, or sacrifice my time with studies. I feel like my timing isn't right due to my laziness and taking weekends for granted doing nothing. Now I feel uncertain what happens next.
Thankyou. Ive been told i was an academic failure all my life and now im in 'a' category college one of the best in my state and im struggling to keep up everyday. Its been 2 years im in third year and i failed in 2 courses this semister alone. I always feel like a failure and letting my parents down is sad, ive been severely disgusted with myself but i keep trying a little bit everyday and knowing even though i might fail to get my degree i would have known that i atleast tried. I might fail and thats sad but i hope God provides me with power to atleast bear my pain if i can't succeed because i don't know what I'll do if i fail academically.
thank you im struggling a lot in calc 1 right now and its been really discouraging and ive even thought about if what im studying is really for me. Even if im in the same class next year this video has really motivated me to not give up in my studies
three months ago when this video was just posted i remember watching this video under a tree in a park at the local community college i attend currently with a girl a was dating at the time after just failing my drivers license for the third time, feeling like crap and with her somewhat comforting me, this video had just been recommended to me at the time and i decided to give it a watch because the timing just felt very fitting. just a month later she decides to want to break up with me for reasons still undenounced to me, i then pass my drivers license just 2 months later and I'm here currently reminiscent on how much can be felt and lost in such a small amount of time. whilst even as an engineering major. Mathematics has never been a strong suit of mine from a very young age, i find a strange solace in this video, almost living a life through a untouched reality through unwanted circumstances i could've never predicted. i hope to come back to this comment again, perhaps in another instance of contemplation as i am now, with an update about some good news, even when things don't work out the exact way i don't want them, and that's just something i have to start adjusting to and approach in a ore intellectual and mature way as a young man.
Very similar experience here! In high school, I exhausted math classes after AP calc, so wound up taking multivariable calc at a local university. Did well. When I started undergrad at university, I had a catastrophically bad experince in my first pure math intro to analysis / rigorous calculus course. I was attempting to use the same visual-spatial/engineering type of reasoning that will successfully get you through engineering-targeted math, instead of the fundamentally different kind of reasoning required for pure math. It's like apples and oranges. I remembere asking one of the more successful students in the course how they were visualizing stuff, and they just kind of looked at me blankly. Because that's not how they were approaching things. The kind of brain activity you need to -- for example -- successfully rotate a curve around an axis and have a decent intuitive understanding of why the surface area formula works in C^\infty situations is one thing. Understanding seuqnece and limit based *proofs* is a totally different thing.
Watching your videos inspired me to go back and teach myself the math I never really understood while in college. It also caused me to rethink how I learn. When I was actually taking classes my mindset was I learn the material from the instructor and use the book primarily for the exercises that have to be worked and turned in. Secondarily the book could help with what I didn't quite get from the instructor. Self study has shown me how I can actually learn the material from the book and I believe actually get a better understanding due to large number of problems that I am doing. As a result of my initial mindset I did have one class where the instructor was so poor (they didn't have their contract extended) that I had to drop the class. Repeating the class with a different instructor was an entirely different experience. But I believe if I knew then what I know now I could have taught myself the material and not have to drop the class.
@@MrValsung Not sure I know what you think I have accomplished. First bit of advice is limit the number of Math Sorcerer videos you watch. Otherwise, your collection of math books is likely to get out of hand. ;) Second bit of advice is to sit down every day and do math. Working through every odd problem (so I can check my work) and a few of the even problems seems to work well for me.
@@billc4993 any particular books you recommend? I've mostly been trying to apply what I learn in maths to various programming projects I've been doing, which makes it fun, but slows things down a bit since the coding aspect of it is a hurdle in and of itself.
LoL I was ALREADY re-buying a couple of the old Math books I had used in my past. I was beginning to think this way ... BEFORE ... seeing / Finding "Math Sorcerer" But the fact that he IS Math-wise AND a bibliophile.... .... _Yeah_ that's why I susbscribed @@billc4993
you just reminded me my first semester I took in mathematical physics, I was in a semester when everyone already took the course and failed, and I was new, the teacher asked how many students are taking the class for the first time in my first class of introduction to number theory and theory of equations, the teacher was so fast doing basic proofs, then I started introduction to real analysis the approach was from 0 to the formal definition of uniform continuity using Calculus by Spivak and so many other books to complement, I felt so stupid, I even feel stupid now, but I'm stubborn, and I will be a mathematical physicist some day.
Thanks for this. It is really great to get this message. In my 1st year at varsity, I took Applied Mathematics as a elective. The particular focus was Vector Algebra. After two weeks, I did not have ANY clue. And I was a straight-A student, but I felt so stupid. I dropped the course and switched to Accounting, which I easily passed. Since then, I had a mental block that I will never be able to understand Vector Algebra. But maybe one day, I can take it again. 🙂 This video was truly enlightening.
Thank you for this video! A simple, yet profound concept we all tend to forget. I’ve never had to learn this lesson until now - as a 30 year old. For the first time, I’ve encountered my limits as I’ve become a parent. Im stretched too thin compared to everyone else. It’s frustrating - I’ve always done fairly well. But now I’m beginning to understand the consequences of becoming a parent, and that my career may need to be in stasis until the time I can do well again. And then I’ll hit the books again!
This is the definition of maturity. Welcome to the fifth dimension. Study up your sixth dimension whenever you're ready again. We will welcome you back with open arms!
Stasis is right. Though scientists have had years of little time to study then pick it back up to find new discoveries have opened up areas that solve problems they put in stasis years earlier. Sometimes stasis isn't actually slowing things as much as it would seem!
I took ONE class at a time when I became a dad. Took 8 years to get a second degree, but I still got it, and most importantly, kept from going crazy while getting it.
Thank you very much for this. I've been thinking about this for months but I didn't know how much I needed to hear it. I've been struggling with a lot of personal issues for the past 9 years and even though I've made a lot of progress, this semester has been particularly draining, and I haven't been able to attend many classes nor have I been able to study, and I'm emotionally exhausted. I keep telling this to myself and others and most people say they wish I could study and get through with the semester, and while I appreciate their intentions, what I truly need right now is to rest and most of all to stop pressuring myself so much to perform so that I can finally get around to actually resting instead of just lying in bed wincing for hours on end. I haven't been able to cry in a while and I managed to cry after I finished watching this video.
This came in a timely manner. Currently struggling a lot with proofs, can't progress in anything because I just can't seem to understand them, or build the intuition for it. Whilst simultaneously in a very toxic work environment where I am forced to spend 9-10hrs a day. When I get home I am so drained. I do hope one day I will be good at it, because I enjoy it and want to be able to comfortably use proofs for my research.
This is the best video and the most wise words I've heard in years. Really needed it. Funny how math can be applied in everything in this world. Thank you for this gem!
If you're doing Math, Physics or Engineering, don't be surprised to get your ass kicked once in a while. It'll happen in school. It'll happen at work. Murphy is undefeated.
Quantum field theory absolutely destroyed me this semester. I ended up doing well in the course and really enjoying it, and I definitely want to continue learning it, but it felt like all I did for 2 months was QFT.
@@user_2793 That's great! The hike up the hill can seem endless, and getting blisters is painful, ("Is this *really* worth it?) but reaching a vista is truly satisfying (Wow! I think I get it!). .... Let's do more!
Linguistics major here, just lurking with a vague interest in math... I failed my sintax midterm today and was really bummed out about it. I had Covid, so I wasn't able to attend classes, and couldn't make it up by myself, because the material was really hard (and very math like, honestly 😅)... I really needed to hear this today! Thanks!
Hey friend. I'm into linguistics as well. I'm sorry to hear about what happened, but keep at it and don't let it keep you down. By the way, what sort of material was it, if you don't mind my asking?
@llllllllll2434 Thanks for the kind words! And sure... The topic was syntactical analysis of sentences, types of bonds in the sentence, and types of the simple sentence (writing out "the code" or the paradigm that describes the sentence). I'm not sure I explained it correctly, though, since I'm not sure how to say those things in English... This is all for Russian syntax, mind you, since I study that as a foreign language. Hope I managed to explain it somewhat... 😅
Very wise words as always. I am currently doing my bachelor's degree in physics and I'm currently really struggling with my thermodynamics class and your advice helps me cope with my bad grades. Tbf the whole class is struggling though (average of 41% in the midterm) but like you said sometimes you just gotta deal with the cards that you were given. In that case I guess I wasn't ready for thermodynamics yet (especially when the prof is mediocre) and I might understand it more when I take the statistical physics class next term.
4:39 That was me in college Algebra. I just couldn't do the math natural log section at the time, bombed the final despite an online tutor and every resource on youtube, landed like a 55 out of 100 on the final. Professor took pity on me and bumped my grade a half letter to give me credit saying "You'll figure it out when you need it". I finished a degree I've never applied (I went into the trades my last year of college and never looked back) I appreciate that professor to this day 11 years later, but honestly? Sometimes things not working out is a sign to move on. Like you say, professor: Sometimes you have to take the cards you're dealt.
Many of us had the same experience. I know successful engineers who had the same 'first round' with Calculus experience,,, but you have to reorganize and reinforce your courage and self faith in order to make it work. Calculus and Physics are the two most rewarding things I have done in my life. I carry the concepts and skills with me everyday. I constantly reflect on them everyday,, because in the long run,, it's really FUN.
I remember one time me and my friends listening to the teacher's explanation of a problem,everyone understood except me,my friends said its easy and obvious but i cannot make it clear.i spent like 3 days to understand that explanation,thinking when im in the class,while im chilling,even when taking a 💩 fr,and eventually it made sense somehow,everything just connects,like magic
This is so true! I struggled hard my sophomore year with hydrogeology is very math heavy. I didn’t do very well and it ate me up and I almost gave up my degree because I kept questioning whether or not I should keep going. Eventually I retook hydrogeology and got a B+ then got an A+ on my comp test !
Great book. I remember spending days with this and having a really hard time understanding. It maybe time to give it another read. Thanks for the video
It is best to go to the university bookstore and thumb through the pages to see what is up. If there is an earlier edition at the library try going through it. If it doesn't make sense try finding out what you lack to understand it. There are some very bad math books out there, in that case supplement your text with a good one.
Great video I think this is an important concept that students need to hear but often don’t. Great video your honestly and insights will really help students of maths.
Intellectual patience is not innately linear. nor do people have the same subject aptitude. If you face an obstacle over time you will either see it disappear , you will mature in strength and power to overcome it , or finally you will go around it only to comeback to it with the right tools to surmount it.
yes, i know, i have experienced it many times over many years inside and outside of the career, and yet today i can't leave that feeling of stress and anxiety (i'm talking specifically about mathematics.)
Taking an accelerated Trig course and hit a brick wall at Trig Identities and Equations. The course is like 2 chapters a week so I recovered, did what I could do and have to accept I lost 2 chapters and cut the rope and let them go. Moving on to the next 2 chapters. I requested a simple credit/no credit option so I don't get hit with a poor letter grade, regardless I have learned alot of Trig in a super short time frame. Also realized I have to take step back and take a semester off and will most likely continue my math as self study and set the AP Calc exam as my goal instead of Community College courses.
I'm on my second round of cal 1 and I am still not understanding it. I get to the test and forget everything. I study, I do all the homework, and talk to the teacher about it. It sucks but your right, right now just isn't the time for me. I'm going to give it one more try next semester and hopefully I get it.
I had this very thing happen to me. I in my fifties and I've always had this dream of getting a Masters in Math but I didn't think I'd ever get accepted into a program. On a whim I recently decided to apply to a school that offered an online Masters in Math. To my surprise I was accepted. Long story short, I couldn't make it through the first course (Analytic Geometry). I had to withdraw from the program. It was devastating. I don't know if I'll ever get another opportunity but in the meantime I'll continue to learn as much Math as I can. Thank you for your videos!!
I am curious about M.S. Math courses ; was the online instruction created by the University or was it " canned " lessons from Pearson or another major vendor of online courses ?
Right now in my home iam facing obstacles n tortures from my own family. i cant even think about start doing any good thing living here. As soon as i can find a secure place ... i am planning to start studying Science n Maths..along with my Spiritual sadhana. Thankyou for your kind supports. 🙏
Also, I think I was doing so bad in the career due to so many health problems since I needed two surgeries to breathe better, a lung treatment due to Long COVID and psychiatric treatment due to the Long COVID treatment I just recovered 3 months ago, and I'm still taking an inhaler until January, all that kept me down for many years, I have been working to try to make income, so I can afford to study, in Mexico education it's free so that's something that's very helpful, and I'm trying to learn to work in programming so I can afford all that, your videos actually help me realize that I can do it, and it's a struggle that it's normal I guess.
Excellent video and, personally, a good reminder. I hope people take your message at heart and keep it in mind whenever they struggle. This is something that can be learnt only through realisation, but one has to be mindful about it or the lesson might elude. I struggle with it myself still sometimes, even though I've had quite a long career in computer science, AI in particular, by now.
I studied 4 months straight and still did bad on my tsi practice test. I take it this week and pass or not I’m stoked with how far I’ve come in 4 months. Just remember you probly gone lose the first time around, that’s for anything. It’s normal Thanks this upload was perfect timing
In other videos you've mentioned not worrying about understanding maths and to just do it. It's good advice but man do I want to know the why as I'm progressing. I guess one can start understanding the why when moving onto proofs. Calculus seems a good long term goal that unlocks greater understanding in all manner of domains.
Mathematical maturity is real and, like you said, timing is everything.
Some things may not work out, but the Math Sorcerer clearly does 💪
😂
I know right, his face and body don’t match. But he’s a great dude, not throwing shade.
This doesn't just apply to math, this applies to EVERYTHING.
yup
Like Rocky Balboa said
This is the twelfth level of consciousness.
@@TheAncientColossusDo you mind expanding about this '12 level of consciouness'? Thx
Real. I really needed to hear this and the timing could not have been better
Wow! It's INCREDIBLE that things can be applied to OTHER things!
Thanks for the very encouraging words, man! I failed a numerical analysis course in college and never recovered from it. I dropped out and ever since then, I have felt like the biggest failure. However, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I have tried to be objective about it. I have decided to go back and retake that class, and I hope to ace it this time, with God's help!
All the very best!!
You are fuxking gonna ace it!!!! Power to you man!! 🎉
Good luck man we are all rooting for you. You can do it!!
❤ all the very best
you can do this with God.
Rocky is a highly underrated movie franchise. Yes, it's extremely cheesy, but contains very deep messages.
That being said, when things don't work out, it's because it was not meant to be...things never happen at the right or wrong time...they just happen. For things to go as planned many factors need to be aligned and in the right order. My take on this subject is: make the best of what life gives you. If life gives you lemons make lemonade, if life gives you onions sauté them, if life gives you rocks use them to hunt.
I planned to go to a top school for my Ph.D., I ended going to a smaller school. I had a huge heartbreak from a former GF just as I was starting grad school. But, where I am I met my wife, have my kid, have a better job than I thought I would have and my money worries are almost non-existent and have time for leisure and personal activities. In the end, it all works out!
Wow, I was having a rough day but this gave me goosebumps!! I am so happy for you!!
“Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”
- Jimmy V -
Wise words indeed. Another aspect of learning that has long baffled me is the emphasis on competition in school settings. Why must learning be a competitive sport? This competitive aspect seems to take the joy out of learning for many people, myself included.
"I didn't even know what pull it out meant it was just completely mind-blowing" listen I think we've all been there when the math is just so good
I think this needs to be acknowledged more. Even the brightest of students can get stuck and need some time to re-evaluate. Unfortunately college is all about "either go fast, or suffer extreme financial strain". The amount of people willing to help is abysmally small. College should be a place of learning, not processing students.
When I was a student (CS and Mathematics) the teaching assistents were far and few between, making it infeasible for them to offer anything but superficial support. Professors wouldn't even care or have time to react to emails. We even had a course with a 50% passing rate called "A general introduction to mathematics" that had the professor claim people with a failed mid-term should re-consider their studies. It's disgusting how little empathic college is sometimes and how unwilling we are to offer even the littlest of leeway.
A great teacher once told me that a teacher that sucks can make 2 + 2 = 4 seem hard to learn.
"Failure is not final." - Bill Walsh and Jim Devellano
Most of the time things don't work out. In fact, everything is always falling apart is only maintained by constant effort.
You made this video for me. I’m going through this exactly and I’m encouraged to not quit but come back again. I still believe it will work again with my hard work.
I'm so glad I came across this video. I failed my financial math test today and miserably got a 10.2% thank you for your wisdom.
I was a graduate student in my PhD of statistics coming from a computational physics background, and we were required to take a measure theory course. I had never even taken an analysis course. I tried my ever-living butt off and barely passed at the graduate level (71%). I was beside myself but realized I had a huge weakness. I checked my ego, buckled down, took some baby courses in analysis, studied and studied, read through books on measure theory, took a different graduate course on measure theory, and crushed it (93%). It was a big eye-opener that I had to take charge of what I needed to know to be able to do mathematics at a graduate level, and figure out what I didn't know.
I really needed this. Failing my classes...siiigh....i just "see the light" often too late and my degree time is running out.
Mental illnesses ruled my life for the most part where the first half went in destigmatising the impact the second half went in reaching out to people (Mental health experts) which was obviously rockier than I expected and now back into life and mathematics trying to rebuild a life that once felt lifeless, i feel more livelier than I have in years... sometimes life really sucks the daylights out of you and you begin to hate every bit of your existence, to all those people out there working on smth be it Mathematics, personal growth or just trying to put your shit together to get through the days, cheers to you!!
We r in this together!!!!
Lets seize the day🎉
#CarpeDium
Guys i don't know if someone will ever read this, but i wish you success in life and of course it's likely gonna be hard. For me it's tough, sometimes i ask myself whether i'm doing the right thing, if i was aiming to work at X, Y, Z place, it was tough enough that eventually lead to apply for MC Donalds
I very much resonate with this. Studying electrical engineering, I’m going to need an extra year to graduate, because I failed numerous courses. However, I’ve not given up yet and I’m starting to feel my knowledge improving every day.
Thank you, for these wise words. It feels good to hear from someone else that you aren’t a failure for striking out the first time. ❤
taking an extra year will serve you well in the long run. you get the chance for the material to really "soak in".
Also consider: people getting straight A's aren't really getting their money's worth. If you are doing that well, you aren't being challenged. If you are doing poorly in some classes, but not in others, you are probably exactly where you need to be.
In athletics, dance and martial arts, you always start out in a 'failing state', and practice until you get good. But somehow this concept is missed in academics. The ideal is to shoot for mastery on the first try. This model is broken.
The person who gets a "C" average through the entirety of university is someone who demonstrates the ability to consistently progress through challenging material, gaining ability with every step, with little recognition or reinforcement.
Or the fourth time! 😂
I have to agree with what you are saying. Sometimes things just don't work out. With the help of time and the never give up attitude, things work out. Very wise words Prof.
Great video. I’m currently having major issues with anxiety outside of studying math which is hurting my study a lot. It’s really stressful, and bad timing for sure.
When I encounter problems in Mathematics, the first thing I do is to try to identify the problem, namely why I got it wrong. Usually, I try to work on similar problems, maybe some simpler or some harder ones to fully size up my wrong understanding. Simply put, knowing what I don't understand. Next, how to overcome the challenge? Talk to some like-minded people, not that someone is able to help you, but it helps off load the stress build up in your mind. By talking frequently about it, the difficulty becomes clearer. Finally, fixing the problem. Find some related books to read, not the book that gave the probl3m. This is especially helpful with easier books. Not only to rebuild your confidence in the subject, but also to chance upon something that I might have overlook. Doing the problem differently will be another step in the right direction.
Dude. This is the video I needed right now. Going through very hard times, never been more defeated than now. Thanks for giving me some strength, even tho I never seen you before and my problems not related to math
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for posting this video. I'm back in school finally finishing the degree I started back in 2008. I have epilepsy & a concussion during a seizure in late 2009 made finishing school impossible for me then. Normally I'm pretty good at math but when I have frequent seizures, I have a harder time reading, focusing & often experience dyscalculia. In fact, even thinking too hard can give me a seizure when it gets bad. I was so scared to go back despite always continuing to be thoroughly fascinated with mathematics. This last January I started school again & I was very successful until this term. Something about the fall makes the epilepsy flare & I made a choice to try to take three 400 level math classes this term, not really taking that seriously enough. About a week ago I withdrew from one of my classes. I suspect I'm not only going to pass the other two but probably end up with a reasonable grade in both but nevertheless it feels like defeat. Algebra is one of my very favorite subjects, I spent my whole summer off watching videos on Ring theory. Today in particular I've been feeling really down about it because it feels too close to what happened in 2009. Seeing this video helped a lot! There will be other times for me to study abstract algebra.
Your enthusiasm for math is almost contagious. Probably one of the few non-harmful infections. I discovered your channel just a couple of day ago.
With respect to your point of unfairness: I seriously believe future generations will have an algorithm for that.
Greetings from Germany
As someone who started a career on physics with a ver low level of math and i mean very low, not even knowing what an equation was, or even in my life listening about mathematical logic, and being born on a low class family, i can relate so much to this, so many times being frustrated about doing bad on my subjects and dont knowing exactly why and how could i fix it. Eventually i tried to flow with it, being patient and accepting that i cant learn everything with one reading. Currently it keeps happening but due to other reasons outside the career, but now i feel like i can fight it.
I did calc 2 & 3 at the same time and failed both. Now, im taking calc 2 first, taking one chapter at a time.
In my experience, sometimes you just have to give your brain time to get to grips with new ideas or difficult problems. You take a break and perhaps let it sink in for a few days. The subconscious seems to continue to deal with it. And when you try again, things often go better.
Best comment here. I think your correct about new ideas/problems having to sink in, it’s like your brain needs time to adjust itself to attack/work out the problems your working on.
So true. Not everyone has the opportunity or fortune of having taken all pre-requisites in the linear order assumed by a teacher or author, and this an really throw you off too. The right time often comes later, when you've absorbed more knowledge or had a chance to digest the bigger picture.
To be completely honest I probably will fail my calculus 2 class due to laziness and not working hard enough. I don’t know why its so hard for me to sit there and focus on math for a long period of time. I do enjoy the feeling of understanding math but I also get very discouraged when I don’t understand the math I am doing, which has been majority of this semester. Thank you for this video, as it has given me hope to try again (If I do fail).
Some days, I'm more dumb than others. Some days, I can see an algebraic expression and extract the variable I want in my head, and then another day I can't do it and have to take it step by step. I've learned not to fight it. Whatever my capability is on a particular day, or inability, I just go with it. One could stress over it, but there's no use in that, just do the best you can whatever that day gives you. A big reason for my variability in ability is how well I slept that night.
Although I'm not in college yet, I'm a high school student who loves math. Even though I may not be the best at it, I always strive to solve complex problems. I have a deep desire to expand my knowledge in mathematics, challenge myself, and learn more. Your encouraging words and advice serve as great motivation for me. I appreciate your channel and videos immensely. Thank you for being an inspiration. With warm regards, a viewer from Mongolia.
Continue these one on one style talk formats. I love them! The way you talk is very calm and reassuring and feels genuine
Math strengthens the brain as it exercises it but too much of it could burn the brain. One needs to moisten it from time to time with philosophy and literature.
All I have to say is thank you so much I needed to hear this. I'm doing horrible in calc 2 and basically gonna fail the class, but you gave me hope to try again next semester thank you!
❤Best wishes, smth better awaits!!
Wow. This video has made me realize that I need to give myself more grace. Thank you.
Needed this. Math and ca major in my 7th year about to finish up, I do well or adequate in all my major classes, but would have to fail or drop classes due to severe depression and family issues. Trying my best to finish up strong. So many people dont understand the love for Mathematics and how hard it can be. Love your channel.
Thank you Math Sorcerer. I am also at the same circle that there are times that I wanted to spend time with family, spend time on my phone, or sacrifice my time with studies.
I feel like my timing isn't right due to my laziness and taking weekends for granted doing nothing. Now I feel uncertain what happens next.
Thankyou. Ive been told i was an academic failure all my life and now im in 'a' category college one of the best in my state and im struggling to keep up everyday. Its been 2 years im in third year and i failed in 2 courses this semister alone.
I always feel like a failure and letting my parents down is sad, ive been severely disgusted with myself but i keep trying a little bit everyday and knowing even though i might fail to get my degree i would have known that i atleast tried. I might fail and thats sad but i hope God provides me with power to atleast bear my pain if i can't succeed because i don't know what I'll do if i fail academically.
I stumbled upon your channel some years ago. Your channel has helped me a lot. Thank you, sir!
thank you im struggling a lot in calc 1 right now and its been really discouraging and ive even thought about if what im studying is really for me. Even if im in the same class next year this video has really motivated me to not give up in my studies
three months ago when this video was just posted i remember watching this video under a tree in a park at the local community college i attend currently with a girl a was dating at the time after just failing my drivers license for the third time, feeling like crap and with her somewhat comforting me, this video had just been recommended to me at the time and i decided to give it a watch because the timing just felt very fitting. just a month later she decides to want to break up with me for reasons still undenounced to me, i then pass my drivers license just 2 months later and I'm here currently reminiscent on how much can be felt and lost in such a small amount of time. whilst even as an engineering major. Mathematics has never been a strong suit of mine from a very young age, i find a strange solace in this video, almost living a life through a untouched reality through unwanted circumstances i could've never predicted. i hope to come back to this comment again, perhaps in another instance of contemplation as i am now, with an update about some good news, even when things don't work out the exact way i don't want them, and that's just something i have to start adjusting to and approach in a ore intellectual and mature way as a young man.
Your humility is out of this world man. You are not the math sorceror, you are the math God
Very similar experience here! In high school, I exhausted math classes after AP calc, so wound up taking multivariable calc at a local university. Did well. When I started undergrad at university, I had a catastrophically bad experince in my first pure math intro to analysis / rigorous calculus course. I was attempting to use the same visual-spatial/engineering type of reasoning that will successfully get you through engineering-targeted math, instead of the fundamentally different kind of reasoning required for pure math. It's like apples and oranges. I remembere asking one of the more successful students in the course how they were visualizing stuff, and they just kind of looked at me blankly. Because that's not how they were approaching things. The kind of brain activity you need to -- for example -- successfully rotate a curve around an axis and have a decent intuitive understanding of why the surface area formula works in C^\infty situations is one thing. Understanding seuqnece and limit based *proofs* is a totally different thing.
Watching your videos inspired me to go back and teach myself the math I never really understood while in college. It also caused me to rethink how I learn. When I was actually taking classes my mindset was I learn the material from the instructor and use the book primarily for the exercises that have to be worked and turned in. Secondarily the book could help with what I didn't quite get from the instructor. Self study has shown me how I can actually learn the material from the book and I believe actually get a better understanding due to large number of problems that I am doing.
As a result of my initial mindset I did have one class where the instructor was so poor (they didn't have their contract extended) that I had to drop the class. Repeating the class with a different instructor was an entirely different experience. But I believe if I knew then what I know now I could have taught myself the material and not have to drop the class.
what advice would you give someone aspiring to do what you've accomplished so far?
@@MrValsung Not sure I know what you think I have accomplished. First bit of advice is limit the number of Math Sorcerer videos you watch. Otherwise, your collection of math books is likely to get out of hand. ;) Second bit of advice is to sit down every day and do math. Working through every odd problem (so I can check my work) and a few of the even problems seems to work well for me.
@@billc4993 any particular books you recommend? I've mostly been trying to apply what I learn in maths to various programming projects I've been doing, which makes it fun, but slows things down a bit since the coding aspect of it is a hurdle in and of itself.
LoL
I was ALREADY re-buying a couple of the old Math books I had used in my past.
I was beginning to think this way ... BEFORE ... seeing / Finding "Math Sorcerer"
But the fact that he IS Math-wise AND a bibliophile....
.... _Yeah_ that's why I susbscribed
@@billc4993
you just reminded me my first semester I took in mathematical physics, I was in a semester when everyone already took the course and failed, and I was new, the teacher asked how many students are taking the class for the first time in my first class of introduction to number theory and theory of equations, the teacher was so fast doing basic proofs, then I started introduction to real analysis the approach was from 0 to the formal definition of uniform continuity using Calculus by Spivak and so many other books to complement, I felt so stupid, I even feel stupid now, but I'm stubborn, and I will be a mathematical physicist some day.
thank you, i won't get into the details why, but i needed to hear all of this for multiple reasons. and i might feel a little less scared of math now.
One of the most inspiring and heartfelt messages I have seen on the internet. Superb. Thanks, man 🤗
Thanks for this. It is really great to get this message.
In my 1st year at varsity, I took Applied Mathematics as a elective. The particular focus was Vector Algebra. After two weeks, I did not have ANY clue. And I was a straight-A student, but I felt so stupid. I dropped the course and switched to Accounting, which I easily passed.
Since then, I had a mental block that I will never be able to understand Vector Algebra. But maybe one day, I can take it again. 🙂
This video was truly enlightening.
Man you have no idea how much I needed to hear this. Thank you.
Thank you for this video! A simple, yet profound concept we all tend to forget. I’ve never had to learn this lesson until now - as a 30 year old. For the first time, I’ve encountered my limits as I’ve become a parent. Im stretched too thin compared to everyone else. It’s frustrating - I’ve always done fairly well. But now I’m beginning to understand the consequences of becoming a parent, and that my career may need to be in stasis until the time I can do well again. And then I’ll hit the books again!
This is the definition of maturity. Welcome to the fifth dimension. Study up your sixth dimension whenever you're ready again. We will welcome you back with open arms!
Stasis is right. Though scientists have had years of little time to study then pick it back up to find new discoveries have opened up areas that solve problems they put in stasis years earlier. Sometimes stasis isn't actually slowing things as much as it would seem!
I took ONE class at a time when I became a dad. Took 8 years to get a second degree, but I still got it, and most importantly, kept from going crazy while getting it.
Thank you very much for this. I've been thinking about this for months but I didn't know how much I needed to hear it. I've been struggling with a lot of personal issues for the past 9 years and even though I've made a lot of progress, this semester has been particularly draining, and I haven't been able to attend many classes nor have I been able to study, and I'm emotionally exhausted.
I keep telling this to myself and others and most people say they wish I could study and get through with the semester, and while I appreciate their intentions, what I truly need right now is to rest and most of all to stop pressuring myself so much to perform so that I can finally get around to actually resting instead of just lying in bed wincing for hours on end. I haven't been able to cry in a while and I managed to cry after I finished watching this video.
This came in a timely manner. Currently struggling a lot with proofs, can't progress in anything because I just can't seem to understand them, or build the intuition for it. Whilst simultaneously in a very toxic work environment where I am forced to spend 9-10hrs a day. When I get home I am so drained. I do hope one day I will be good at it, because I enjoy it and want to be able to comfortably use proofs for my research.
This is the best video and the most wise words I've heard in years. Really needed it. Funny how math can be applied in everything in this world. Thank you for this gem!
If you're doing Math, Physics or Engineering, don't be surprised to get your ass kicked once in a while.
It'll happen in school. It'll happen at work.
Murphy is undefeated.
Quantum field theory absolutely destroyed me this semester. I ended up doing well in the course and really enjoying it, and I definitely want to continue learning it, but it felt like all I did for 2 months was QFT.
@@user_2793 That's great!
The hike up the hill can seem endless, and getting blisters is painful, ("Is this *really* worth it?) but reaching a vista is truly satisfying (Wow! I think I get it!). .... Let's do more!
Thanks I needed this message 🙂
Linguistics major here, just lurking with a vague interest in math... I failed my sintax midterm today and was really bummed out about it. I had Covid, so I wasn't able to attend classes, and couldn't make it up by myself, because the material was really hard (and very math like, honestly 😅)... I really needed to hear this today! Thanks!
Hey friend. I'm into linguistics as well. I'm sorry to hear about what happened, but keep at it and don't let it keep you down. By the way, what sort of material was it, if you don't mind my asking?
@llllllllll2434 Thanks for the kind words! And sure... The topic was syntactical analysis of sentences, types of bonds in the sentence, and types of the simple sentence (writing out "the code" or the paradigm that describes the sentence). I'm not sure I explained it correctly, though, since I'm not sure how to say those things in English... This is all for Russian syntax, mind you, since I study that as a foreign language. Hope I managed to explain it somewhat... 😅
Very wise words as always. I am currently doing my bachelor's degree in physics and I'm currently really struggling with my thermodynamics class and your advice helps me cope with my bad grades. Tbf the whole class is struggling though (average of 41% in the midterm) but like you said sometimes you just gotta deal with the cards that you were given. In that case I guess I wasn't ready for thermodynamics yet (especially when the prof is mediocre) and I might understand it more when I take the statistical physics class next term.
This is happening to me now with a class-- really hard to take--
Thanks for the great message. Hope this gets recommended to myself every now and then.
4:39 That was me in college Algebra. I just couldn't do the math natural log section at the time, bombed the final despite an online tutor and every resource on youtube, landed like a 55 out of 100 on the final. Professor took pity on me and bumped my grade a half letter to give me credit saying "You'll figure it out when you need it". I finished a degree I've never applied (I went into the trades my last year of college and never looked back) I appreciate that professor to this day 11 years later, but honestly? Sometimes things not working out is a sign to move on. Like you say, professor: Sometimes you have to take the cards you're dealt.
sometimes we need to fail in order to see the road of success
Love the Electrical Engineering book too.
Many of us had the same experience. I know successful engineers who had the same 'first round' with Calculus experience,,, but you have to reorganize and reinforce your courage and self faith in order to make it work. Calculus and Physics are the two most rewarding things I have done in my life. I carry the concepts and skills with me everyday. I constantly reflect on them everyday,, because in the long run,, it's really FUN.
Great eye opener for everyone those who fails often
I remember one time me and my friends listening to the teacher's explanation of a problem,everyone understood except me,my friends said its easy and obvious but i cannot make it clear.i spent like 3 days to understand that explanation,thinking when im in the class,while im chilling,even when taking a 💩 fr,and eventually it made sense somehow,everything just connects,like magic
Whoa. There are courses in proof writing?!
Mind-blowing.
Great content, great message. I really appreciate the work you are doing.
This is so true! I struggled hard my sophomore year with hydrogeology is very math heavy. I didn’t do very well and it ate me up and I almost gave up my degree because I kept questioning whether or not I should keep going. Eventually I retook hydrogeology and got a B+ then got an A+ on my comp test !
Great book. I remember spending days with this and having a really hard time understanding. It maybe time to give it another read. Thanks for the video
It is best to go to the university bookstore and thumb through the pages to see what is up. If there is an earlier edition at the library try going through it. If it doesn't make sense try finding out what you lack to understand it. There are some very bad math books out there, in that case supplement your text with a good one.
Great, heart-felt advice!
Great video I think this is an important concept that students need to hear but often don’t. Great video your honestly and insights will really help students of maths.
This is more than a math lesson. This is a life lesson.
Thanks a lot, you have no idea how much this helped.
I am honoured to be a part of your UA-cam fam
Yup, the Spivak book is a classic!
Intellectual patience is not innately linear. nor do people have the same subject aptitude. If you face an obstacle over time you will either see it disappear , you will mature in strength and power to overcome it , or finally you will go around it only to comeback to it with the right tools to surmount it.
yes, i know, i have experienced it many times over many years inside and outside of the career, and yet today i can't leave that feeling of stress and anxiety (i'm talking specifically about mathematics.)
Thank you
Thank you for the message!
Thank you brother; seemed like you started to go deep in Maths at a more mature age, correct me if I was wrong.
Thank you ❤
Taking an accelerated Trig course and hit a brick wall at Trig Identities and Equations. The course is like 2 chapters a week so I recovered, did what I could do and have to accept I lost 2 chapters and cut the rope and let them go. Moving on to the next 2 chapters. I requested a simple credit/no credit option so I don't get hit with a poor letter grade, regardless I have learned alot of Trig in a super short time frame. Also realized I have to take step back and take a semester off and will most likely continue my math as self study and set the AP Calc exam as my goal instead of Community College courses.
This channel is such an epitome of positivity, absolutely love the community here!!
❤ Keep going Sorcerer!!
He is a very close friend. I'm with the ⚛️🥷🤝🗳️.
I'm on my second round of cal 1 and I am still not understanding it. I get to the test and forget everything. I study, I do all the homework, and talk to the teacher about it. It sucks but your right, right now just isn't the time for me. I'm going to give it one more try next semester and hopefully I get it.
very very true. thanks for this video
I had the exact same experience with that book
Thank you for this...
I had this very thing happen to me. I in my fifties and I've always had this dream of getting a Masters in Math but I didn't think I'd ever get accepted into a program. On a whim I recently decided to apply to a school that offered an online Masters in Math. To my surprise I was accepted. Long story short, I couldn't make it through the first course (Analytic Geometry). I had to withdraw from the program. It was devastating. I don't know if I'll ever get another opportunity but in the meantime I'll continue to learn as much Math as I can. Thank you for your videos!!
I am curious about M.S. Math courses ; was the online instruction created by the University or was it " canned " lessons from Pearson or another major vendor of online courses ?
The course didn't have a required textbook. The content was created/organized by the instructor
Thank you! You are awesome!
Right now in my home iam facing obstacles n tortures from my own family. i cant even think about start doing any good thing living here. As soon as i can find a secure place ... i am planning to start studying Science n Maths..along with my Spiritual sadhana.
Thankyou for your kind supports.
🙏
A good new for you sir :)
Also, I think I was doing so bad in the career due to so many health problems since I needed two surgeries to breathe better, a lung treatment due to Long COVID and psychiatric treatment due to the Long COVID treatment I just recovered 3 months ago, and I'm still taking an inhaler until January, all that kept me down for many years, I have been working to try to make income, so I can afford to study, in Mexico education it's free so that's something that's very helpful, and I'm trying to learn to work in programming so I can afford all that, your videos actually help me realize that I can do it, and it's a struggle that it's normal I guess.
Great content, thanks for sharing.
Excellent video and, personally, a good reminder. I hope people take your message at heart and keep it in mind whenever they struggle. This is something that can be learnt only through realisation, but one has to be mindful about it or the lesson might elude.
I struggle with it myself still sometimes, even though I've had quite a long career in computer science, AI in particular, by now.
Thank you so much for this
Thank you. I need it
I studied 4 months straight and still did bad on my tsi practice test. I take it this week and pass or not I’m stoked with how far I’ve come in 4 months.
Just remember you probly gone lose the first time around, that’s for anything. It’s normal
Thanks this upload was perfect timing
In other videos you've mentioned not worrying about understanding maths and to just do it. It's good advice but man do I want to know the why as I'm progressing. I guess one can start understanding the why when moving onto proofs.
Calculus seems a good long term goal that unlocks greater understanding in all manner of domains.
As someone who spent years in college I learned this the hard way. Now I am 3 semesters away from graduating BS in ME