Why study math?

In the NYTs piece, "The Last Time You Used Algebra Was...", the age old question is raised to counter the annual rankings the US finds itself falling in year after year. As the Thomas Sowell piece earlier addressed, our educational priorities are often skewed by the 'professionals' who know better. In this story, the author suggests another aspect: "Why learn something we'll never use?" As he points out, this can be asked of nearly ALL subjects. When was the last time you used Voltaire, Shakespeare, dissected a pig, or cited the table of elements?

In our world of immediate satisfaction, we educate to, and expect, immediate results. We don't educate to think unless it's related to social issues. And even then, you're educated to think one way - diversely (which has become an oxymoron). The last paragraph, from an educator who understands, makes the point:

"'What we do isn't exactly what mathematicians do,' she explained. 'And I know more alums here become artists than become mathematicians. But kids don't study poetry just because they're going to grow up to be poets. It's about a habit of mind. Your mind doesn't think abstractly unless it's asked to - and it needs to be asked to from a relatively young age. The rigor and logic that goes into math is a good way for your brain to be trained.'"

We all need to think more - not just learn. There is a difference.