Within the first couple of chapters, I knew this was not a typical math book. The Math Gene by Keith Devlin is essentially a walk along the path of human development. And not just any part of human development, but the brain. More specifically, the way the brain evolved to use language. Devlin relates the abstract nature of language to math and claims humans developed the two senses simultaneously. Thus, our ability to use language is evidence of this math gene.
The Valles Caldera of the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico is one of the most magical places I have visited. It first formed approximately 1.1 to 1.4 million years ago by a series of cataclysmic volcanic eruptions. Subsequent super eruptions continued carving out the area, with the last known event around 40,000 years ago. Relative to Earth’s history, this caldera is in its infancy. As are humans. So, while dipping in hot springs and marveling at the beauty that took ages to create, I was reading about my own species’ development.
The Book
A look at The Math Gene
The Math Gene by Keith Devlin presents a case that connects language development with the ability to do math. The theory relates the use of language and mathematical reasoning to infer that humans evolved these faculties concurrently. This relationship becomes further clarified as Devlin attempts to show that language shares the same abstraction and manipulation of symbols as math. In math, one uses symbols, such as numbers, letters, or shapes, to represent objects, actions, or relationships. Similarly, words, sentences, and grammar form thoughts, ideas, things, and so on.
In the process of characterizing this linkage, he is also determined to address why people struggle with math. If people can learn and effectively use a language or languages, then why do many struggle with math? He argues that we all possess a “math gene,” or an instinct for mathematical reasoning, the same way we do with language. The difference is that we do not recognize when we use it. And oftentimes, our preconceived notions of the subject hinder the ability to progress. Devlin constructs a cohesive argument that is written for everyone, requiring no background in the matter to follow and enjoy.
A look at Keith Devlin
“[Mathematics is a] vast and beautiful mental landscape that generations of human beings have created over 3,000 years.”
– Keith Devlin interview with On Being
Keith Devlin is a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to mathematics. He is determined to reshape the definition of mathematics and spread his passion to others. Thus, the inspiration behind The Math Gene, amongst his other publications, is to connect math with everyday life. Keith Devlin firmly holds the idea that mathematics is not an objective reality discovered through equations, but rather the psychological construction of the world by the human mind. In other words, mathematics is merely a way for humans to explain and make sense of the universe. And since this subject is unique to humans, he further concludes that we all have a math instinct. Therefore, he did not write this book for the mathematician. But to the individual who struggled in their youth with a subject they grew to loathe. It is for the people whose introduction to math was done an injustice.
In addition to being an author and a mathematician, Keith Devlin has committed himself to quite a lot in life. His list of experiences includes Senior Researcher, Dean, Executive Director, and Consultant (fun fact: he consulted for the CBS crime show Numb3rs). Not to mention, he is a supporter of massive open online courses (MOOCs), which provide free education online. Notably, he is the instructor of Introduction to Mathematical Thinking, available on Coursera. This is not your normal math class, but an insight into how mathematicians approach real-world problems. Hopefully, by the end of the course, one could leave refreshed, with a greater appreciation for their mind’s mathematical abilities.
Thoughts & Reflections
WARNING: some spoilers may be present
My connection to the story
“My view is that the standard account of the evolution of language is wrong. Language did not evolve primarily to facilitate greater communication. Rather, it arose, almost by chance, as a by-product of our ancestors acquiring the ability for an ever richer understanding of the world in which they found themselves–– both the physical environment and their increasingly complex social world.”
-Excerpt from The Math Gene
I started The Math Gene at an opportune time. A couple of years ago, I started teaching myself Spanish. Initially, I held a restraining view that, due to my adult status, I would have a difficult time learning another language. Not only that, but I was approaching it through the lens of English instead of developing an intuition for Spanish. However, as I was reading Devlin’s argument, I began to recognize that my beliefs were holding me back. Not my adult brain. Additionally, Devlin’s emphasis on the human brain’s predisposition for pattern recognition inspired a new perspective. Rather than connecting Spanish words to their English equivalent, I started connecting them to their meaning. In other words, I imagined the words instead of translating them. After all, what are words in any language but a symbolic representation?
Initially, I believed the book would offer insight into how to approach math problems or improve mathematical reasoning. Instead, I was greeted by an intriguing, well-informed argument. It encouraged me to look at how I approached math and to consider my relationship with it. For one, I struggled as a child, falling into the self-fulfilling prophecy of girls struggling in math. In college, something clicked. Suddenly, I was able to understand concepts that were once foreign in my adolescence. It was as if my brain finally recognized the patterns. Until calculus. The introduction to rates of change confused me, because up to that point, I had only dealt with stationary objects. Over the years, I have returned to calculus to fill the gaps in what I was once missing. During these reunions, some concepts have become clear, whereas others remain a mystery. It is one of my many life goals to gain an improved understanding of calculus. If for no other reason than to utilize that part of my brain that makes me human.
My views on the story
“Mathematical beauty is a very abstract beauty. Like fine music and great poetry, it is perceived not by the senses but by the mind. It is a beauty that could be perceived only by a brain capable of abstract, symbolic thought.”
-Excerpt from The Math Gene
What stood out to me the most about The Math Gene was the ingenuity in establishing this math-language relationship. And the passion with which it revealed –– it is clear from the writing that this area of overlap excites Keith Devlin. In school, mathematics and language occupy different departments. Neither math nor language curricula require the other’s participation outside of general requirements. Yet, according to Devlin’s thesis, pattern recognition inherently links the two. It was intriguing to imagine this innate math sense, as is evidenced by my ability to use language. I also appreciated Devlin’s case that math is uniquely human. Over thousands of years, humans have used math to solve some of life’s greatest questions and further human civilization. Yet, phenomena they account for exist independently of math. Underneath it all, mathematics is the language humans have developed to explain the universe.
Overall, I loved reading this book. My only qualm was finding it speculative at times. Especially when discussing evolution. At times, I found him offering his own interpretations of evolutionary progress unrelated to language and math, such as inferring the anatomical development of shared ancestors. In addition, I detected an overzealousness while pointing out humans’ abilities compared to those of other animals. At times, I disagreed with points, such as suggesting the superiority of humans. It is hard for me to adopt this mindset when our species knowingly destroys its own habitat. However, Devlin certainly swayed my view on the connection between math and language. As mentioned in the book, there are concepts in math that conventional language cannot wholly explain. Only the language of math–– its symbols–– can paint the full picture. One could imply a language barrier between mathematical symbols and conventional words.
Closing thoughts
I would recommend The Math Gene by Keith Devlin to anyone who struggles with math and believes they lack the math gene. It is not a book to pick up if you are looking to learn about mathematical concepts or proofs, nor for someone closed off to the Theory of Evolution. However, if you keep an open mind, you may appreciate Devlin’s argument and even find creative ways to relate to it. Who knows, maybe this newfound look at math may change the way you tackle your next problem. The passion for math is infectious, and I could not help but be inspired to reacquaint myself with the subject. If you have already read The Math Gene, I would love to hear your thoughts! Share them in the comments below.
Join me next month for another Backpackers Book Club commentary.
Happy Trails!
