
In our life, mathematics is very important for logical thinking based on evidence-based knowledge through rigorous mathematical analysis. Especially, when we predict something new, the power of mathematics overwhelms our instinct or heuristics. However, when using mathematics improperly, catastrophic results are waiting for us. In this book, the author, Matt Parker, said such an important role of mathematics and showed examples of disasters stemming from mathematical errors through exhilarating stories he has experienced.
Then, what is the role of a human in mathematics? We try to use mathematics when deciding something important. And then, we should check all the types of mathematical errors to avoid the disaster. I would like to introduce his last paragraph. “Our modern world depends on mathematics and, when things go wrong, it should serve as a sobering reminder that we need to keep an eye on the hot cheese but also remind us of all the maths which works faultlessly around us.”
The following links are some quotations from the book with my thoughts.
(1) What Number Is a Really Big Number?
(2) Please Give Math More Time to Pick up the Pieces
(3) I Don’t Count on You When You Count Numbers
(4) More Approximations, More Problems in Your Life
(5) Probably, We Are Not Independent
(7) Sometimes, Simple Mathematics is Better than Our Experiences