Measurement
by Paul Lockhart · first published 2012
77% recommend23% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Builds geometry and then calculus from simple ideas like length, posing open questions and puzzles to work through. Conveys a passion for math as exploration; suits self-learners and those put off by school math.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Explains how math should be done. With plain English and pictures, he makes complex ideas about shape and motion intuitive and graspable, and offers a solution to math phobia by introducing us to math as an artful way of thinking and living.
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Here are some great books which are meant to be read (and have not been mentioned elsewhere in this thread, i.e. Axler and Pugh). Algebra: Chapter 0 by Paolo Aluffi Measurement by Paul Lockhart The Nature of Computation by Moore & Mertens Ideals, Varieties, and Algorithms by Cox, Little, & O'Shea
on “Ask HN: How or where to begin learning mathematics from first principles?” ↗…so-called “proofs” are to be conducted— a format as unnecessary and inappropriate as insisting that children who wish to plant a garden refer to their flowers by genus and species. [1]: http://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Paul-Lockhart/dp/067428438... [2]: https://www.maa.org/external_archive/devlin/LockhartsLament....
on “Marvin Minsky: What makes mathematics hard to learn? (2008)” ↗Measurement, by Paul Lockhart, may be helpful to start with. It carefully and clearly derives mathematical principles from basic ideas, in a very approachable way. Here's how it describes its content: Part One:…
on “How to Study Mathematics (2017)” ↗…stuff do you want to learn about? What do you want to do with it? Maths is big, and cumulative. Edit: Re your experience edit, I second the recommendation of Khan Academy. I'd also recommend the book Measurement by Paul Lockhart.
on “Ask HN: How to self-learn math?” ↗You might enjoy Lockhart's book, Measurement. http://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Paul-Lockhart/dp/067405755...
on “A Mathematician’s Lament (2002) [pdf]” ↗http://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Paul-Lockhart/dp/067405755... (by guess who) looks like the best starting point since this resonated with you. (I've dipped into it but not seriously tackled it yet.) It's hard to keep at it, learning…
on “A Mathematician’s Lament (2002) [pdf]” ↗…was just lucky enough to see through the poor state of education into some of the magic underneath. For a (partial) solution to the math education problem, Paul Lockhart has also written a book called "Measurement"[1] which is a very entertaining read. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Paul-Lockhart/dp/06742843...
on “A Mathematician’s Lament (2002) [pdf]” ↗Measurement by Paul Lockhart. Written by the author of the well known Mathematician's Lament essay [1], which deplores the state of school maths education, in response to questions like "Well, what are you going…
on “Ask HN: Recommend a maths book for a teenager?” ↗The best maths book I’ve ever read was Measurement by Paul Lockhart (yes, the one of Lockhart’s Lament [0] fame). It’s been a long time since I read it in primary school, and I can’t remember exactly why I loved it so much, but there is one thing I remember…
on “How to Teach Math?” ↗It is very hard to pinpoint a single moment. Rather I would like to list a few books that I feel showed me that mathematics can be beautiful and interesting. 1. Measurement by Paul Lockhart 2. An Infinite Descent into Pure Mathematics by Clive Newstead (available @ https://infinitedescent.xyz/). It taught me basic discrete math and proof writing. 3. Apostol's Calculus…
on “Ask HN: What made you fall in love with mathematics?” ↗Given the sentiment in these comments, I figure this crowd might be interested in the book "Measurement" by Paul Lockhart (the guy who wrote "A Mathematician's Lament") He's of the opinion that math should be taught not as jumping through hoops for "reasons", but as an art, enjoyable for its own sake,…
on “Everyone is capable of, and can benefit from, mathematical thinking” ↗“Measurement” by Paul Lockhart, of “A Mathematician’s Lament” fame. This was recommended by the delightful and talented Tibees YouTuber. A few pages in and I was absolutely hooked and ready to start proving geometric…
on “Ask HN: What is the best thing you read in 2024?” ↗Not a course, as such, but reading “Measurement” by Paul Lockhart, of “A Mathematician’s Lament fame. I’ve never read anything that so clearly communicates and leads you into a state of mind that COMPELS you to prove mathematical conjectures from…
on “Ask HN: Which courses/classes are you excited about in 2025?” ↗…will become more and more prevalent. For anyone looking for resources, may we recommend: * The Art of Doing Science and Engineering by Richard Hamming (lectures are available on YouTube as well) * Measurement by Paul Lockhart (for teaching mindset)
on “AWS CEO says using AI to replace junior staff is 'Dumbest thing I've ever heard'” ↗Definitely add this modern classic: Measurement by Paul Lockhart. On a related note, I've been compiling a list myself for an even younger audience (basically all ages before 14)[1]. I bet there are a lot of influential materials for younger ages,…
on “What Would You Recommend to a Bright 14 Year Old?” ↗