I’m currently reading selected parts of “Analytical Institutions”, the 1801 edition of John Colson’s translation of Maria Gaetana Agnesi’s 1748 text. Near the beginning of her second book, she presents the following theorem. Consider the diagrams: In each diagram, H, I, and M are points along the x-axis and are equally spaced. A, B, and E…
Month: June 2020
Being and Nothingness
A reflection. To be, or not to be, that is the question. I am a White person in a male body, 52 years old. I am married to a woman. I have a child, a stable job, and a home. I am so ordinary. I could live the rest of my life out with my head…
Questioning, Not Answering
Another Rant on “Mathematical” Puzzles A few months ago, I complained about those internet memes which claim to be mathematics. My complaint about them is about the presentation, not the underlying problems: “Only 1% of people get this right!” The questions are framed to encourage people to feel stupid about math. Please don’t feel stupid about math….
About That Syrup Thing…
Why are some White people so upset about losing Aunt Jemima? Please note: I’m White. While I’m glad you’re reading this, make sure you’re reading Black voices. If you decide to skip this and do that instead, wonderful. Some suggestions: Ijeoma Oluo, Ibram X. Kendi, Matthew Kay, Carol Anderson, bell hooks, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Angie Thomas, and…