Mathematics is a poem. It is a lucid, sensual, precise exposition of
beautiful ideas directed to specific goals. It is worthwhile to have as
broad a cross-section of mankind as possible be conversant with what
goes on in mathematics. Just as everyone knows that the Internet is a
powerful and important tool for communication, so everyone should know
that the Poincaré conjecture gives us important information about the
shape of our universe. Just as every responsible citizen realizes that
the mass-production automobile was pioneered by Henry Ford, so everyone
should know that the P/NP problem has implications for security and data
manipulation that will affect everyone.
This book endeavors to tell the story of the modern impact of
mathematics, of its trials and triumphs and insights, in language that
can be appreciated by a broad audience. It endeavors to show what
mathematics means for our lives, how it impacts all of us, and what new
thoughts it should cause us to entertain. It introduces new vistas of
mathematical ideas and shares the excitement of new ideas freshly
minted. It discusses the significance and impact of these ideas, and
gives them meaning that will travel well and cause people to reconsider
their place in the universe.
Mathematics is one of mankind's oldest disciplines. Along with
philosophy, it has shaped the very modus of human thought. And it
continues to do so. To be unaware of modern mathematics is to miss out
on a large slice of life. It is to be left out of essential modern
developments. We want to address this point, and do something about it.
This is a book to make mathematics exciting for people of all interests
and all walks of life. Mathematics is exhilarating, it is ennobling, it
is uplifting, and it is fascinating. We want to show people this part of
our world, and to get them to travel new paths.
