You could also think of it like going to the gym. Someone could say: "This is pointless. When am I ever going to need to lift a barbell ten times in a row in real life?" But building up those muscles allows you to use them for other things that you might need to do.

@BigBoss-sm9xj

6 жыл бұрын

Shawn Parks well said !

@theboombody

2 жыл бұрын

Shoot, I never wanted to do anything except lift. Just wanted to get strong. Never wanted to use it for anything else.

@bearidk6054

Жыл бұрын

Yeah but what if you do a job that doesn’t require advanced math that’s like a soccer player exercising their arms when their feet are more useful to them

@bearidk6054

Жыл бұрын

It’s like buying 20 subscription services just because you don’t know which one or two you’ll need most

@bearidk6054

Жыл бұрын

I feel like after algebra most jobs rarely require more advanced math and if it comes up once then use a calculator or algorithm Obviously some jobs like a physicist or cutting edge jobs might need ingenuity, but most concepts have resources the process it faster than the mind of a human

One of my biggest issues with this is that they do not teach arithmetic or mathematics like that in public schools... at least none of the teachers that *I* had. I have heard of some Math teachers that were inspirational and all, though the teachers that truly stuck with me were my history and music teachers... and one science teacher... and they are the ones who taught problem solving. Those were the ones that taught critical thinking. all of my math teachers seemed to have given up.

@Stockinator

8 жыл бұрын

+Rebecca Chadburn Well math is really just something you can teach yourself, but then again some people aren't able to teach themselves? :/ (But now that we have the internet, as long as you aren't lazy you can easily learn the concepts and apply them lol)

@JeffyPDiddy

8 жыл бұрын

Most math teachers had far higher aspirations in life, but they didn't make it. In a sense they gave up on their futures. No joke in my high school maybe one at most of my teachers wasn't depressed

@rcchadburn

8 жыл бұрын

Nam as someone with brain damage hitting memory (among other things) I can tell you that sometimes no matter how much studying (or restudying) you do... sometimes concepts do not stick. Yet after the BD I have been able to suddenly draw, paint, sculpt, manipulate colors better than I ever did previously.

@rcchadburn

8 жыл бұрын

Jeff Wright I know what youre talking about. The people that seemed to want to teach are the music teachers, english teachers, and history teachers... and two of my science teachers. Though, with the changes made under Bush... and the various teach to the test bs they have going now.. my old teachers would probably walk away

@liamstacey419

Жыл бұрын

This is where it all comes down to trying to apply those basic math skills to story problems, Basic geometry problems, and physics problems. Algebra Can be a great opportunity for puzzles and which students have to rearrange the variables and numbers to find a solution.

I tell my students and their parents that almost all math can (and should) be taught using four real-life topics: business, cooking, construction, and sports. If math (or any other subject) is not taught in a way that can be applicable to real life, students will not care about learning.

@jishanborno

2 ай бұрын

Then again, a lot of that math that can be applied to real life situations aren't that complex. Most of the real life applications of math barely go past fundamental algebra. And even if some real world applications of math require more advanced math knowledge, it's not the end of the world if you can't figure it out yourself. Because you can always ask for help if you're struggling understanding something.

This is also the reason learning a 2nd language is important. It does something to the brains in how we understand and process things

@Davethawave1999

8 жыл бұрын

+ian redgate No, spending hours on KZread is a waste of time :P

@davidkonevky7372

4 жыл бұрын

@@ianredgate4031 Really? Learning a language is awesome!

I've always thought about this, but hearing Neil say it is pretty validating

I still remember the day when mathematics got away from me & I never caught up again, I was 8 years old, learning division & times tables, I got caught on some problem & for whatever reason I couldn't get the teacher to explain it to me in a way I understood & then we had to move on to the next set of problems, because I couldn't understand the first idea nothing that followed made any sense to me from then on & I never really caught up, for the rest of my school years maths just might as well have been witchcraft. Every class just frustrated me & made me feel stupid so I never wanted to be there & never put the effort in. Today the way I perceive number s is fairly basic & a little abstract, I have to break things up into visualized blocks & arrange them to get the numbers I need, obviously the results are often inaccurate & never efficient.

@occasm

5 жыл бұрын

me exactly!

Huh, I'd never thought about it like that. Thanks Niel!

I graduated 3yrs ago and I still have not used algebra in real life.

@bakachan3601

6 ай бұрын

Neil deGrasse Tyson just explained that you don't learn algebra because you're going to use use it later in life they make you learn it to learn a particular form of problem solving type thinking... Which they never tell you what the time that's why you're learning it And that algebra is actually just a made-up numbers based logic puzzles trying to hurt your brain on purpose to open it up to new ways of thinking 😑

@jamemule5326

5 ай бұрын

​@@bakachan3601But we don't need algebra to solve problems. Accept it maths is useless in life teaches nothing about the real world.

@bakachan3601

5 ай бұрын

@@jamemule5326 algebra is supposed to teach a certain way of logical thinking that can be applied to problem-solving non mathematical type problem. That's why it doesn't make sense as a form of math. It's not actually intended to be practical it's intended to teach you logic. 😑 But they do not tell you that when they're forcing you to learn it in high school.

@jamemule5326

5 ай бұрын

@@bakachan3601 sacrasm

@bakachan3601

5 ай бұрын

@@jamemule5326 ohhhhhhh ooops :p

I honestly never thought of it that way. thank you Dr Tyson.. I feel like I've just uncovered a treasure chest.

Math was never the problem, bad teachers are. It's the same reason why it took me years to start reading Shakespeare. Teachers suck, not math.

His argument only applies if math was taught properly in the first place. Math isn't taught in that way at all. People are asked to memorize and blindly apply algorithms, and it's presented in impenetrable language and in a senseless fashion. People are not having anything rewired in their brains, and they have all the right to complain. What they should at least understand is that they RELY on these things every day, so they should at least respect mathematics, even though they have no first-hand experience of what it really is.

@JoBo0209

6 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@SubhashYadav-eo9nc

5 жыл бұрын

Yessir!

@davidkonevky7372

4 жыл бұрын

My chemistry teacher is doing this, and it's not only confusing, but insulting

@theboombody

2 жыл бұрын

I think it's because most people can't really handle going the next step after memorizing an algorithm. It's difficult to make that step, and most people before age 18 haven't fully developed their minds yet.

@lawrencedoliveiro9104

11 ай бұрын

Everybody, at some point in their life, will need to take out a loan, to buy a house or car or some such. Loan repayments involve compound interest. Calculating compound interest requires exponentials and logarithms. That’s real, actual money coming out of your pocket. If you don’t understand how it’s calculated, what’s to stop you from being ripped off?

i see what he's saying but that mathematical "lesson" is so subtle as so to be completely missed by the vast majority of people. Why not simply tell the students why math is important and teach them logic courses simultaneously? Probably would be more effective because the world needs more critical thinkers and critical thinking is meaningless without thinking tools such as logics.

@solidsnake1447

8 жыл бұрын

So true, in almost every math class I've taken, there was no stress as to the importance of the lessons. All the rules were just vomited on to the blackboard meant for us to memorize.I had to realize the importance of the lessons on my own.

@hybmnzz2658

3 жыл бұрын

Fact fact fact fact fact

@mahishmanor9522

2 жыл бұрын

You are soo right, I was lucky enough to have a maths teacher who would explain the formulas slowly and give background explanations an he explained them from the basics and made it simple as possible, but unfortunately not everybody in the class enjoyed the way he thought maths and they ended up getting another maths teacher to teach us. But I still pop into his classes now and then when I can and I truly enjoy them

This is exactly what I thought of all premed. I have forgotten most chem, orgo, phys but they were all fundamental in rewiring the brain for what was next.

After every video I watch that he is in I just think, "why isn't somebody like him our president?"

I wish if I'm capable to explain different topics the way neil does i just love the way he talks 🔥🔥

I like listening to the sound of his voice.

Wow, very well said

0:21 "the act of learning develops problem solving skills"

My mathematics was more fluent than my linguistics because I was able to utilize math more but I forgot that math was a language. So I ended up flunking. I was a brilliant artist chef and musician and that made it hard for me to decide what I wanted. Ended up flunking languages since I mostly use one language from a day to day basis. If I learned 2 languages I could had been more fluent in my linguistic ability but I regret not doing so. Instead I worked on my practical skills. Today, I can only speak one language and I am very good at logic. I have several of practical skills.

My grampa said in Korea the Chinese mortars never missed what they were shooting at because they used the Pythagorean theorem and was the only survivor of a mortar attack though moderately wounded and made me memorize it

"So it's not about what you learn" Heh. So what isnt "pointless" about it?

But, but, I WAS on Jeopardy. So, nyeah nyeah nyeah.

Amen to that!!!

This man is amazing.

This is so frustrating yet validating to hear Neil say given his views on philosophy. I guess he just forgets his points about the importance of the skills gained from educational exercises like presearch papers and learning to explore the world when discussing philosophy. Skills such as criticalical thinking, reasoning, composing and evaluating arguments, articulating complex ideas, and trying to understand the world. Philosophy (AKA: the origin of all the modern sciences) in this regard is just as, if not more, valuable than plenty of other academic subjects.

The comment section full of people missed the whole point of the video. It's not about what you learn or gain knowledge about, this is about something happen to your brain cells. You didn't even feel it. But it certainly help you with a lot of things in your life later.

@jamemule5326

5 ай бұрын

That's stupid

@jamemule5326

5 ай бұрын

Which are🤔

That's an insight!

He's the Steven Segal of science!!!

Why do you need to round a fraction to find an answer ! For what

@rasaldollanas8390

3 ай бұрын

Why would I have to guess to find a problem

skill transfer is just a myth..

@kvin9210

Жыл бұрын

You're correct

@aomorgancool1775

Жыл бұрын

It's not. Learning how to problem solve is not skill transfer. Your using the same skill but to solve different problems.

how can I get permission to add subtitles to this movie ?

learning useless information is pointless if you have to pay for yourself, you only need skills and experience to make money.

@betaorionis2164

Жыл бұрын

And isn't the ability to deal with figures one of the most (if not the most) important skill to make money?

I tutor math and when I teach math to kids I make it how it applies to the world.

The problem is math teachers. They don't teach that the main crux is problem solving concepts and new ways to think and approach problems. They teach equations and when I would ask "why" they respond, "because" and that was it. As smart as they thought they were my math teachers for the most part were stupid. Only 2 understood how to teach math instead of showing math.

@Javierm0n0

8 жыл бұрын

Harmony Alexandria You're laughing at me but stating exactly what I'm talking about. Yes it's an equation but putting it on the board and telling student to memorize it is not how you teach. THAT is what i was saying most of my math teachers did. I did mention something about teaching the concepts. You're also forgetting people learn differently and the one's who do are often called stupid if they don't immediately understand the system of symbols that make up math equations. How will a student know the right way to manipulate a math problem if the teacher does not help them figure it out?

@AaaaNinja

7 жыл бұрын

But if they taught you the math 100% of the time, instead of showing you how to do it, how would you be challenged to use the tools you've built up to look for the answers for yourself. I always tell people that it doesn't matter who is teaching the class. After you get out of school, you will not even have a teacher to present problems, problems will be thrown at you, and you need to know how to find out for yourself the ways to solve them. Find someone who has expertise, or a resource to get your own expertise.

im to lazy to do math :(

This guy is missing in my childhood. =P

@alittlebitintellectual7361

6 жыл бұрын

Alexander Laheij because people are dumb. And are basically animals.

What is the purpose of Calculus other than lower my GPA?

@darthvader4633

Жыл бұрын

basically everything physics related, engineering, electronics, statistics

@brandonmitchell6776

Жыл бұрын

@@darthvader4633 well as a Chemistry major it has not proved any helpfulness at all even with the teachers that cannot teach

@picksleet9268

4 ай бұрын

@@brandonmitchell6776true

If you can learn and retain Complex mathematics then you should definitely take the courses. But if you can't retain, then no, you'll never have to use it for the rest of your life. Don't let some Middle Class militant tell you otherwise.

Sometimes math and education system is a mental help

I mean physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics are pretty pointless. However there are applications. Biology gives us doctors Physics gives us engineers Maths gives us computers Chemistry gives us industries So in a sense they indeed have value. And Infact the application is the direct consequence or product of the theory. It's the pursuit of knowledge in the first place that leads to human related applications.

@davidkonevky7372

4 жыл бұрын

The only complaint I have with schools is that they're focusing on memory instead of learning the tools. Especially My chemistry teacher, all of the classes have been tedious and I haven't learned anything from her.

@darthvader4633

Жыл бұрын

they arent pointless then

@jishanborno

2 ай бұрын

​@@darthvader4633They're pointless for those who want nothing to do with those type of careers. Why would someone who wants to be a artist need to know chemistry, biology and physics.

@darthvader4633

2 ай бұрын

@@jishanborno okay then dont study them? whats your point? ban them completely?

Liberal arts?

So math can be replaced with computer programming?🤔

@ninor6377

2 жыл бұрын

It should be. You can learn the same problem solving skills you do in math but then actually use them to build things ….

@AlexandrBorschchev

Жыл бұрын

No, programming should stay as an elective subject. Problem solving can be taught with critical questions, science or social science will do that. we should teach computer literacy like excel, office, internet research instead of specialized skills like coding.

@darthvader4633

Жыл бұрын

computer programming is just math

It’s true, you’ll never use the math they force you to learn in school. Computer breaks down? Just wait till it’s fixed. All you need to know is arithmetic.

Wait, so your saying that what we learn is useless, but what matters is how it affects our mental health/state?

Total ba

We had math in school

I know this was 5 years ago, but maybe someone will look at the comments and see this. 0:42 What are those “other problems” then? Can anyone give me some examples? Because I’m pretty sure any examples given will be solvable using basic methods instead of complex ones used in trigonometry or calculus.

@AndreGodoi

Жыл бұрын

It's not necessarily a conscious use of those tools. Like: "hey, look, I am glad I learned trigonometry at school so now I know how to do this". The use of those tools in solving "other problems" may be completely unbeknownst to you. Such as, for instance, when you are driving your car you may have a better sense of "my car will fit this spot" than someone who didn't learn trigonometry. This is because your brain is using its "power" in the background to measure the lines, sizes and proportions of the other cars and other shapes in the street to come to that conclusion. It's also a bit like playing basketball. When you are throwing a ball, your brain is taking into account the distance, the weight of the ball and all the movements your arms must perform to hit the hoop, but you are not consciously thinking about them, it's all in the "background".

@Adventurer-te8fl

Жыл бұрын

It’s not just about being able to solve problems, but about solving in the best and fastest way. You could solve a system of equations using the basic method of trial and error where you plug in numbers and see if it satisfies both equations. But that isn’t convenient nor optimal, especially when you get more complex system of equations. But for an example, if you wanted to know which year will a certain species’ population growth rate be 50% higher compared to the previous year. Or what’s are the range of angles to put the ladder against a wall so it doesn’t slide.

Or or hear me out , calculators ! And not just calculators , problem solving skills can also be learned by doing practical things for whatever job field you wanna go into . 90% of what we learn in school is complete garbage . Math is not the only way to learn problem solving skills , I learned the most important knowledge on KZread and Google .

@kvin9210

Жыл бұрын

You're correct

creepy

Could you tell my son this? Please!

Black science man strikes again!

Math is by far the most valuable of all subjects there is to learn , and Neil is right on , it teaches you how to approach problems and a different way of seen things . Math is EVERYWHERE , with out it no great discoveries would of been perhaps discovered.

@tinotendamandizvidza1903

Жыл бұрын

Nah useless

@jerm2296

Жыл бұрын

@@tinotendamandizvidza1903 lol this is such a low iq response lmao.

@aomorgancool1775

Жыл бұрын

@@tinotendamandizvidza1903 caveman

@JustDT851

Жыл бұрын

​@@aomorgancool1775 no your a cavemen🧏‍♀️🧏‍♀️🙊🙊 oog hooga 2+cw÷3=]pythagoreanhypo

@darthvader4633

Жыл бұрын

@@tinotendamandizvidza1903 bro is typing on a device which would have been impossible without math

This video could have been helpful 15 years ago

Everything I had to learn past geometry in school is USELESS. I have become a successful software engineer learning algorithms, problem solving and code optimization which I learned myself.

Calculus did it for me. It changed how my brain was wired.

@acolytes777

8 жыл бұрын

+ian redgate I don't need you to believe me

@kyled1673

4 жыл бұрын

Really? I'm not saying you're lying, but if you can, can you explain how?

Such a crisp and sharp talk. The exact reason to understand science lies in this philosophy.

Your mind can learn and adapt to solve problems with different ways except math you can solve problems with many ways and besides math shows you how to solve specific problems with specific solutions so how is that helpful

Though I took trig 47 years ago I use it in my current position. Especially pythagorean's theorem.

You cannot expect kids to just accept that it establishes "a new brain wiring". You have to come up with convincing practical applications and teach using those. That way the student may still resist, but he/she will listen. For example, I was taught Math by my Geography teacher(strangely) and he used binocular disparity to explain how our brain perceives depth using trigonometry and that just blew me away when we were able to calculate how far an object was from the radiator. From that day forth, I did not hate trigonometry and I became good at it.

Yea and if u take engineering u use every single bit of it

I can easily say that he is being extremely ridiculous with that statement , because none of us are born and gifted with same skills and if education systems teach about the same topics to many different students,which means many different individuals with different minds, you can't expect everyone to learn the exact same amount . At the same time making those each different individuals take the same exam and expecting all of them to be successful is also very hilarious because if its about running you should only compare "cheetas" not "cheetas and fishes" also as someone who has discalculia(I am only dyslexic about the math parth) even if I try my best, learning advanced math is almost impossible for me , however I am really good at finding solutions and controlling crisis so that statement is completely subjective . Lastly, I think the education system should get a reform and start to seperate the students that doesn't wants the same thing in live and should teach each of the groups accordingly from the very beginning of studentship not the beginning of college studentship.

I still will think reading a 300 pg book and writing an essay about it will never help me in the field of olericulture.

Every time I see and hear you speak, Neil, I think back to a time when I believed in education, when I believed there was true value in knowing things. Now I no longer believe, for I have found that it truly is about who you know, not what you know, and I've also learned that it matters not what one's dream might be if the powers that be decide against it. Yes, dear American student plugging away in school with the alphabet math, don't do what I did and get a STEM education and also expect to have a lasting career in this country, any more. No, the powers that be are doing everything that they possibly can to put you out of work. Why? Because you like to be paid for your labor, and the goal is for you to work for nothing and be thankful. How dare you expect to be paid! You want full time employment?! How dare you! Part time employment is the future! Look at all the freedom it brings! Oh the lies we're fed... Learning Calculus and getting that degree doesn't put food on the table; no, a job puts food on the table, jobs which have left this country in droves for cheaper (aka don't have to be paid) labor. Stay in school? Hah! There's no point, not any more. Just what are you going to study? What is this skill you think is safe in this day and age?

@gfysyoutube

Жыл бұрын

Who invited the good news bear here. Give her some fricken honey!

@gedas7058

Жыл бұрын

While such things are possibly true, these are not absolutes. While some people or parties might be trying to selfishly benefit from other people without any reward/return, my experience has been that a lot of people do give back in return, do want to help and genuinely see you grow and prosper. Also, we can observe life and gain insight into the fact that a lot of things in life are growing/changing and almost nothing in life is guaranteed. Getting a degree in something or gaining knowledge and skills does not mean you will for sure find ways to employ that and earn a living. While that might be more or less likely, it does notake it a guaranteed. Just because people need programmers, it does not mean that a new programmer will be enough or be at the right place in the right time with their particular skillset.

If there going to Teach Math to measure an Area like, Length x width x Hight. It's pointless if not going to show how to use a Ruler or a Tap measure. These Days when you go to School, the just put you on Computer and walk away. Teaching a bunch of useless Information, so the Poor Class keeps fights with the Middle Class. While the Rich Class pays no Taxes, and laugh all the way to the Bank.

It's ad, both kids with learning disabilities like dyslexia and kids that are gifted are extremely disadvantaged. Thanks for this "debunking" Neil.

However, do you need to spend 12 years for this new 'brain wiring'?

@pearspeedruns

8 күн бұрын

I think it’s less about the specific time frame one spends on math, and more about how it relates to physical development. When the human brain is still growing and learning, it’s important to exercise it.

Sorry, Tyson, but the fact is that you will never use 90% of what you leanr at schoold, and you will be ignorant of more practical and useful skills. I do learn because of I love knowledge, but most people don't care and it's pointless to force them so they end hating all science equally. The best today is internet, because you can learn all you want of whathever you want.

well, this aged pretty badly. Written just before AGI.

This is a complete lie, how about they make classes like logic and problem solving or presentation of information instead of mathematics and the real POINTLESS classes.

@cocoarecords

8 жыл бұрын

that would be better

@Kid_Mode

8 жыл бұрын

+mono It is too bad that they don't teach it with that spirit in mind. It would be much better if they did if you ask me. Still though, some people will need stuff like that and just doing it spirit or no spirit helps a little. Or at least should.

@Ojw93

6 жыл бұрын

Mathematics IS the study of logic and problem solving.

@aliceool

5 жыл бұрын

That my whole confusion about people suggesting logical and problem solving classes, when maths is literally that, maybe people would prefer it with a different label.

@darthvader4633

Жыл бұрын

but math is logic? whe do have problem solving classes and they are called math classes

I say it is a waste of time pending on your career. Schools are conditioning people on unpractical foolishness like pronouns, and to be one sided with politics, and to choose other religions, except for Christianity because they deem it evil and or offensive.