So far, I
have flunked out of calculus. It is a really complicated method of calculating
problems that are continually changing. Sounds interesting but it is beyond my
current capabilities. However, I am not giving up. I have enrolled in a
Stanford University course called Introduction to mathematical thinking. It is
supposed to help get me prepared for calculus.
My course at
Edinburgh University about philosophy is going well. I have passed the first 4
weekly quizzes. Philosophy is an academic discipline that exercises reason and
logic in an attempt to understand reality and answer important questions about
knowledge, life, morality and human nature. Philosophers try to take some of
the mystery out of life. The ancient philosophers wrote long, circular sentences
that are difficult to understand but modern philosophers do answer some
important questions in a language that can be understood. My favorite modern
philosopher is Nassim Nicholas Teleb. He is able to speak 6 different languages
fluently and has conquered all the advanced fields of mathematics. He is a well
known risk manager in the world of options and derivatives. After making a ton
of money in that field, he became an author and distinguished professor of Risk
Engineering at New York University. His book, ANTIFRAGILE: THINGS THAT GAIN FROM DISORDER is the very best
non-fiction book that I have ever read. It changed my view of how the world
works. I recommend that you read it!
