The Education of T.C. Mits: What modern mathematics means to you

Did you know this book was condensed into a 3"x5" version and given to every American GI shipped overseas in WWII?The content of this book is special. It is written very plainly, short declarative sentences interspersed with whimsical drawings from Mr. Lieber. Shouldn't take you more than two or three hours to finish. But you will immediately want to read through it again.This book is concerned with the philosophy of science, and how much better off humanity would be if we abided by some of its tenets. The actual content is hard to explain-- it is powerful, life changing, and everyone should read it. Keep in mind that this book was written in 1942, during the throes of Nazism and WWII. It is an attempt to bring humanity back from the brink, to show the everyman the fallacies of racism, nationalism, and any other oppression through the lens of scientific and mathematical modes of thinking.Einstein said it best (of course):"I have studied with pleasure [this] new book. . . . Beautiful examples. . . . Illuminating. I am convinced that [Lieber's] original enterprise will get the recognition it so richly deserves."

This should be required reading for children in middle school.Even at my late stage in life it's illuminating.Okay - I had read it before...

Brilliant exposition of higher mathematics for the layman. It is to algebra what Flatland (Abbott) is to geometry! The Education of T.C. Mits: What modern mathematics means to you

I read this book many years ago but had always remembered the question about circumference of the earth. As a eager math learner it helped dispel some fears of applying math in the real world, and to explain it in terms that a middle schooler understands. My 7th and 6th graders are next in line to read this interesting look when I'm done.

Great book for a math/science kiddo just starting out in jr hi or maybe a bit earlier. Very interesting .

does it job

very satisfied

I love this book! I own a copy of this book from the original copyright date. It was my dad's (a mathematician) and he suggested I read it. The book was a dull yellow color with just the title on the spine. At first I had no interest. At some point, in high school, I picked it up and read it. It's a quick read, even for a slow reader. It teaches you to not make assumptions and follow up on your work. It also makes thoughtful connections between math, science, and philosophy in a humorous and light-hearted way. I recommend this book to all teachers (and students) of math and science.

Highly recommended, lovely clear writing.

A light read, introduces the hierarchy of maths skills. Some nice thinking exercises, the first one got the whole family thinking.