"The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple." ~S. Gudder

I've never understood why people hate math. It is far more challenging for me to grasp how people do anything without it. The thought of a society incapable of mathematical calculating abilities and simple algebraic thought is as alarming as illiteracy. The elegance and simplicity are astounding. No one seems to frown upon reading a simple paragraph, but people cringe over the thought of solving the equation (x+ 2)/3 = 10. 


As a child I was fed mathematical worksheets. What strikes many people odd about the math worksheets is the enjoyment I derived from them. Math delighted me. In first and second grade, whenever our class misbehaved, our teacher would begin to write math problems on the boards as "punishment". Luckily, I was a well behaved child in school, as this punishment never caused me fear but greatly excited me. In third grade we learned to multiply. I relished the fact that I would receive a free jolly rancher for doing something I greatly enjoyed. I had my cake and ate it too. The only thing that makes me uneasy about math these days is the branch of geometry. This has always proved challenging to me. 


If we look at the history of mathematical progress, much of it was done as a hobby. The disgust with mathematical courses in schools today will not point us to a happy future. Regardless of your position in society I firmly believe a strong grasp on simple algebra and a decent reading level is necessary to be a successful member of society. In my experience with potential elementary school teachers who deem the knowledge of algebra to be unnecessary (as they will be teaching "pre-school" but certified to teach up to fifth grade), I fear for our future as a country. 


Math is a lifelong friend. No one can steal his devotion away from my life. When I need to know how much to tip my waitress, he is there. When I am paying my bills, he is there. When I want to know how efficient my car is, he is by my side. He is always at my disposal, and I still cannot fathom how anyone would run away from it.