Mathematics broadens horizons. It is a fact that few students realize

Mathematics can be fun. You can love it, hate it, or simply “survive” it, especially during your school years. Subconsciously, we know that each exercise and hour devoted to learning makes things easier (of course, under the guidance of a competent person), but on the other hand, we deny its usefulness. Meanwhile, mathematics can be a means to many goals that we will achieve in the future—among other things because it broadens our horizons. How does this happen?

What Would We Lack Without Mathematics?

We should begin by analyzing what we would be missing if mathematics did not function at the level it does today:

  • Science, including fields connected with the medical industry, would be far behind. There is no denying that calculations and the skills involved in performing them contribute in many cases to new discoveries and the possibility of testing them.
  • The internet and computers? They would not exist! It is worth remembering that all machines—even the simplest television—are based on various calculations. And this applies not only to the software layer, but also to the physical one, which plays a role, for example, in building processors.
  • We would still be living in poor-quality huts. The entire construction industry—from architects, through contractors, to interior designers—relies directly or indirectly on mathematical principles.

Following this line of thought, we already know that we would lose a great deal. That tells us quite a lot, doesn’t it?

Horizons and Learning

If we look, for example, at the results of the final exams, mathematics continues to cause major problems—even for people who are on the threshold of adulthood, have the most receptive minds, and have the greatest contact with the queen of the sciences. Why does this happen? Because while simple operations can be learned through a small number of exercises, more complicated ones require commitment and time. Individual student aptitudes are another factor.

If we realized that merely learning functions and being able to work through equations is not the most important thing here, but rather “working out the method,” it is very possible that much would change in this area. Understanding this is difficult and requires devoting a considerable amount of energy. Quite often, an appropriate guide is also needed on this path—and let’s be honest—teachers in state institutions often do not show such intentions.

Why Is It Worthwhile?

We should therefore ask ourselves: “What is all this for, and what part do I play in it?” The answer is simple: development. Not only our development as individuals, but also that of civilization as a whole. Solving mathematical problems will accompany us throughout our lives: budgeting, work, travel, and even rest. Today we learn formulas, but what about tomorrow? We do not use them directly. Instead, we use the broader perspective that has emerged thanks to the exercises we completed earlier. As a result, we are more effective: we lose less money, cope better at work, are able to get more out of travel, and understand how to rest.

Without mathematics, we would come to a standstill, and later squander what we had already managed to achieve. This could happen sooner rather than later. That is why it is worth respecting those who teach, as well as respecting ourselves. Wasting time worrying about “how unnecessary all of this is” only results in wasting valuable energy. It is better to take two deep breaths and plan our time so that, through practice—perhaps alongside the right person, a tutor—we can understand the mechanism behind a given operation. This will pay off and help in our future lives, both personally and professionally!