Mathematics for Human Flourishing

By: Francis Su, Christopher Jackson - contributor

Narrated by: David Sadzin

An inclusive vision of mathematics - its beauty, its humanity, and its power to build virtues that help us all flourish

For mathematician Francis Su, a society without mathematical affection is like a city without concerts, parks, or museums. To miss out on mathematics is to live without experiencing some of humanity's most beautiful ideas.

In this profound book, written for a wide audience but especially for those disenchanted by their past experiences, an award-winning mathematician and educator weaves parables, puzzles, and personal reflections to show how mathematics meets basic human desires - such as for play, beauty, freedom, justice, and love - and cultivates virtues essential for human flourishing.

These desires and virtues, and the stories told here, reveal how mathematics is intimately tied to being human. Some lessons emerge from those who have struggled, including philosopher Simone Weil, whose own mathematical contributions were overshadowed by her brother's, and Christopher Jackson, who discovered mathematics as an inmate in a federal prison.

Christopher's letters to the author appear throughout the book and show how this intellectual pursuit can - and must - be open to all.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Francis Edward Su (P)2020 Tantor

Easy to listen

Great for every person dealing with Math and Learning. Every Math teacher should read this book.

Powerful stories!

A friend heard about this book and recommended it to me as a math teacher. I used one of my audible credits to purchase it and it was such a great book I could hardly stop listening to it. I just purchased a physical copy on top of this because it’s easier to skim and find what I want more quickly. I hope to use concepts in this book to show my students the joy of mathematics!

So many excellent quotes

The first question I’m gonna ask my kid’s math teachers is, “Have you read this book?” It’s an inspiration for anyone learning anything. Spot on about marginalized learners. Dang. Every teacher should know this stuff. I recommend highly.

Read this book!

I am a better person because of this book! Math is magical! Francis writes this magic well!!!

Excellent reading!

The book changed how I see Mathematics and inspired me to bring it to others.