Kris Yotam

Lockhart's critique of modern mathematics education deeply resonates with me. He exposes how the subject has been reduced to rote memorization and mechanical procedures, stripping it of its creativity and beauty. I fully agree with his approach of allowing students to derive their own solutions and discover mathematical rules and laws based on the problems they are solving. This method would be excellent for introductory courses or non-math majors, fostering deeper engagement and appreciation.

However, for mathematics majors, such a system would only work if introduced rigorously and at an early age. That said, I believe everyone's introduction to mathematics should mirror Lockhart's vision. Structured discovery through carefully chosen problems, paired with a Socratic method of questioning, can make learning mathematics both intuitive and amusing.

As a lover of mythology and ancient history, I was deeply engrossed in Enuma Elish, an epic poem from ancient Babylonian times that recounts the creation of the world and the struggles of the gods. Through its richly descriptive passages, the poem provides a fascinating glimpse into a world in which chaos and order are in constant conflict.

One theme that particularly struck me was the power of the spoken word. In the poem, the gods use language to create the world around them, with the goddess Tiamat creating monsters and the god Marduk creating the stars. The importance of language and promises is also emphasized throughout the work, with phrases such as “May your word remain in your heart” (Tablet II) and “May the word which thou hast spoken be established forever” (Tablet IV) serving as reminders of the importance of keeping one's promises.

The poem is filled with vivid imagery that draws the reader in and brings the story to life. One passage that stood out to me was the description of Tiamat's creation of monsters, which reads: “She filled their bodies with venom instead of blood, / She clothed them with terror instead of beauty” (Tablet I). Such imagery is both powerful and haunting, making the reader feel as if they are witnessing the events of the poem firsthand.

Overall, I believe that anyone interested in ancient history or mythology would find Enuma Elish to be a captivating read. Through its exploration of themes such as the power of language and the importance of promises, the poem offers insights into the human experience that are still relevant today. As the poem states, “Let us give heed to the word of our god” (Tablet I), reminding us of the importance of language and its impact on our lives.

pa. first review :)