Mathematicians Are Overselling the Idea That “Math Is Everywhere”
&gt; An article, written on a keyboard with keys measured to fit in their place.<p>&gt; Transmitted to the computer using error detecting codes (in USB)<p>&gt; Being run through a CPU that essentially performs arithmetic, comparisons and branches.<p>&gt; Being processed by a word processor that has been compiled in one of many of the highly mathematical languages that run on our computers.<p>&gt; Written onto a disk with error detecting codes.<p>&gt; Sent over the internet with error detecting codes.<p>&gt; Written into a database that probably bases on relational algebra.<p>&gt; I open the article and everything happens in reverse on my computer so I can view it.<p>And it claims maths is not everywhere. I just have to laugh.<p><i>We have to recognize that elite mathematics today, while much more inclusive than it was one or five or fifty centuries ago, remains a discipline that vests special authority in those who, by virtue of gender, race, and class, are often already among our society’s most powerful.</i><p>No, we do not. This is a factually false statement. We have to recognize that maths is open to everyone who is determined enough and has access to the internet or a library and that tribalism like this brings us nowhere. Anyone can participate in elite mathematics. If you come up with a proof for the Riemann hypothesis, go ahead and publish it! Nobody cares about your background if your work is good. Mathematics is blind to gender, race and class.