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Keith Devlin is trying to be the Carl Sagan of mathematics, and he is succeeding. He writes: "Though the structures and patterns of mathematics reflect the structure of, and resonate in, the human mind every bit as much as do the structures and patterns of music, human beings have developed no mathematical equivalent of a pair of ears. Mathematics can be seen only with the eyes of the mind." All of his books are attempts to get around this problem, to "try to communicate to others some sense of what it is we experience--some sense of the simplicity, the precision, the purity, and the elegance that give the patterns of mathematics their aesthetic value."
Life by the Numbers, Devlin's companion book to the PBS series of the same name, is heavily illustrated and soothingly low on equations. But as he says, wanting mathematics without abstract notation "is rather like saying that Shakespeare would be much easier to understand if it were written in simpler language."
The Language of Mathematics is Devlin's second iteration of the approach he used in Mathematics: The Science of Patterns. It covers all the same ground (and uses many of the same words) as the latter, but with fewer glossy pictures, sidebars, and references. Devlin has also added chapters on statistics and on mathematical patterns in nature. --Mary Ellen Curtin
Book Description
"The great book of nature," said Galileo, "can be read only by those who know the language in which it was written. And this language is mathematics."
In The Language of Mathematics, award-winning author Keith Devlin reveals the vital role mathematics plays in our eternal quest to understand who we are and the world we live in. More than just the study of numbers, mathematics provides us with the eyes to recognize and describe the hidden patterns of life--patterns that exist in the physical, biological, and social worlds without, and the realm of ideas and thoughts within.
Taking the reader on a wondrous journey through the invisible universe that surrounds us--a universe made visible by mathematics--Devlin shows us what keeps a jumbo jet in the air, explains how we can see and hear a football game on TV, allows us to predict the weather, the behavior of the stock market, and the outcome of elections. Microwave ovens, telephone cables, children's toys, pacemakers, automobiles, and computers--all operate on mathematical principles. Far from a dry and esoteric subject, mathematics is a rich and living part of our culture.
A brilliant exploration of an often woefully misunderstood subject The Language of Mathematics celebrates the simplicity, the precision, the purity, and the elegance of mathematics.
Customer Reviews:
What is Math?.......2007-05-12
If you ever really wondered whats behind all of the numbers this is the book that you want. Very easy to read and explains everything you wanted to know about Math.
Too difficult.......2007-02-05
For trying to be a popular exposition on mathematics Devlin's book is too difficult for the lay reader. Unless you have university level mathematics in your luggage you won't understand much. The explanations of basic conepts are missing, the proofs are not there and the history is condensed into a few pages. Thus if your mathematical imagination cannot fill in these gaps you will not extract much pleasure from this book. You will rather be frustrated. I myself have read mathematics at the university and still couldn't follow him everywhere. The problem is that the labeling of the book is misleading. This is not a book of popularized mathematics. This is leizure time reading for mathematics professors and math-freaks. If you want to read something that is easy to understand but still interesting try some of the American Mathematical Society's wonderful publications (you can find them all on amazon).
Highly recommended for students who fear or dislike mathematics.......2006-04-26
When I studied physics in a grad school, I used math with fear and incompetence. This book brought back love for math that I felt before it got too hard for me to enjoy it.
The author lack of knowledge about mathematical history.......2006-03-22
The author reviews mathematical history but mentions no India nor China. He presented a biased view of mathematical history.
The books is misleading in that regard.
advanced math amateur reader.......2006-02-27
Enormous subject matter explained and illustrated beautifully.Good read for overall view of the field.
Book Description
What is innovation? Popular culture thinks it knows. An innovation is "the better mousetrap." It is the complex widget that makes a toaster run better, a computer work faster, the men and women in a spacecraft breathe easier. What is an innovator, the maker of the widget? The figure that lurks behind the better mousetrap is often thought of as wild-eyed and misunderstood, tirelessly working away in a dark basement or long-forgotten barn. These popular conceptions have some truth in them, but they are severely limited. Innovation is more than high-tech gadgets, and innovators are complex, whole human beings of all different backgrounds and types. I propose this: An innovation is a creative act or solution that results in a quantifiable gain. An innovation is set into motion in the world of ideas, but is realized in the world of human action. Organizations need innovation like plants need water; without it, they die. One hundred and fifty years ago, the whole planet sat in candle-lit darkness at night. A century ago, the first scratchy sounds of radio echoed in the silence of the ether, forever linking large populations together. Fifty years ago, the surface of the moon was still the object of poetry, not yet of scientific exploration. Ten years ago, the world barely knew the Internet that today links my office in Rochester, New York, to a Zambian village. We live in a world of technological change, where newness clamors as it speeds by. This ephemeral aspect of life is critical to our survival and to our realization as a human race. At the same time, our economy is inextricably bound to this process. Businesses react to and generate change, at ever-increasing rates. But as important as the dynamic of newness and invention is, it would be a mistake to think that all the methods of business are subject to the same law of change. In my 25 years of experience in and around the business of ideas, I've realized that there are constants that come in the form of operational principles-principles that relate to the relationship between people and ideas. Technologies change. People change. The paradox is that without applying timeless principles, the culture of change cannot endure. It is because of the timeless nature of the principles in my book that I deliberately omitted references to contemporary journals and resources. Instead, I've drawn examples from a wide variety of sources-from both inside and outside the business world, and from both current news and historic records. As you will see, these examples solidify the universality and timelessness of the innovation principles discussed throughout the book. Another important point to make is that sustaining innovation depends on the human beings who make it happen. I have found that to foster and sustain the creative spirit, an organization must understand and act in accordance with the human principles that underlie the innovation process. Understanding these principles requires an honest focus on people and their relationship with business and organizational concerns. Whether you work in the corporate world, a governmental or municipal agency, an academic institution, or the not-for-profit sector, these same principles still apply. This is because only human beings create ideas; only human beings can sow the seeds of innovation. In this book, it is my hope to show how focusing on people-their unique qualities, their values, and their diverse organizational roles-is the most essential step in creating a vibrant, flourishing, innovating organization. While it is true, then, that business and technology play a critical role in the innovation process, the human element is the driving force. It can be said that the "right people" in an organization are its greatest asset; the wrong people are its greatest liability. Studies have shown, in fact, that the quality of a work force may, over time, be more important to a company's stock offering than its technology (see Figure 0.1). Figur
Customer Reviews:
Great framework, great human touch.......2007-03-10
This book does a fantastic job of defining a framework for helping companies increase their level of innovation. It's an easy read which is very straight forward without a lot of fluff.
Mr. Rosenfeld hit the nail on the head by defining innovation as inherently "a human thing". This insight will benefit companies greatly as they work to understand how to foster innovation.
If you are looking to improve/increase innovation within your company, this is a "must read".
Making the Invisible Visible captures essence of innovation.......2007-01-12
Robert Rosenfeld's Making the Invisible Visible brilliantly captures the critical elements of successful and sustainable innovation. Whether you are a small business owner, company executive, employee in technical or business disciplines, this book will reveal and bring to life important principles and tools critical to long term success through creative change and innovation.
Making the Invisible Visible showcases Rosenfeld's extensive professional experience and thoughtful research. He seamlessly factors human, environmental, and scientific innovation components to develop an insightful model that differs radically from what most consultants teach today. In doing so, he relies on quantitative tools such as Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory as well as intangible elements such as trust, values, and even love. His masterful ability to bridge the intangible with the tangible or the "invisible with the visible" is what makes this book a tour de force.
In my own 30 years experience in this field, I have found innovation to be easily accomplished in "bursts". That is, there is a corporate edict or initiative dictated by management- innovation is important and must be funded. These times are exciting; budget, people, support, and visibility are provided to an often-unappreciated endeavor. Unfortunately, management changes, company strategy, or even physical moves can destroy innovation in small and big companies alike. Rosenfeld's emphasizes understanding the innovation "system" involving people, culture, processes, and environment that will outlive the specific program du jour or today's corporate attention deficit. It is during these delicate times when innovation is not strongly supported, that other drivers such as passion, persistence, and human relationships must take the baton. In addition to cyclical or wavering institutional support, Chapter 7 insightfully points out that every successful initiative, idea, or company has innate destructive forces. Rosenfeld brilliantly develops this gem of a concept and suggests how plans can be developed early to avoid future disaster. After all, innovation takes a long time to come to fruition- it cannot be sporadic, short-lived, or lack follow-through.
Rosenfeld has added to my insight and "tool-kit" by laying out a powerful framework using a soft yet engaging literary style. In addition to the many gems cited in his examples and principles, the reader takes away a grander message that transcends collections of facts or anecdotes. It is this unique spiritual and human element of innovation that Rosenfeld has put within our reach through Making the Invisible Visible.
Jose Mir
Director of Innovation, Infotonics Technology Center
An innovative, well written book - he will make you a believer!.......2007-01-11
A fascinating description of the innovation process, carefully written with warmth & personality to avoid the cookbook style of traditional 'how to do it' books. Robert has crafted a serious message interspersed with real world experiences (both personal and the grand masters of innovation) in small and large organizations. When you're done reading this, you'll improve your own creativity, and you'll know how to work with others to accomplish innovation as you've not considered reasonable before. Overall, a pleasant read with a valuable message.
Bob Rosenfeld sees into the heart of culture within innovation.......2007-01-03
Making the Invisible Visible: The Human Principles for Sustaining Innovation
I have seen first hand over the past 10 years how Bob Rosenfeld's insights into business and people can drastically affect change and create an innovative culture. His work has changed the way I do business as the Senior Account Executive at the ABC affiliate WKRN-TV/.com in Nashville, TN and has allowed me to foster many creative and innovative partnerships with not-for-profits, and advertising agencies in addition to becoming a true partner with Vanderbilt University Medical Center in various marketing/health related initiatives. I'm excited that now his ideas are available to anyone who wants to create an innovative culture in business. I can honestly say that without his principles and methods - which are imaginatively and thoughtfully laid out in his book - I would not have achieved nearly as many initiatives in the business and not-for-profit world.
Rosenfeld's book takes us on a logical journey on how the human elements fit into business and what it takes to nurture the creative spirit in a business organization in a systematic way. He not only brings to light the human elements necessary to foster new ideas - but also shows the cultural and business elements that must be present for any organization to thrive.
Unlike other `broad-stroke' business consultants, Rosenfeld's background as a research chemist - as well as the hands on knowledge of what it took to create the first Department of Innovation at Kodak - gives him insights that other innovation leaders have not brought to the table. Because of this distinctive background as a chemist - his ability to see the "chemistry" within people and business cultures is unique. The book doesn't just give you the ideas relating to the human principles for sustaining innovation - but ultimately real in-depth systematic approaches that can move a company into the innovation `hall of fame'.
What is really necessary - human and otherwise - for innovation to be systematically fostered in today's rapidly changing business and economic landscape? Rosenfeld answers this question through providing a proven approach and system that can be implemented in any situation - any size business or corporation.
The structure of Making the Invisible Visible makes it an accessible book and inspires in the reader an attitude of "I can do this." In addition to laying out the design of a proven method for implementing an innovative design, Rosenfeld includes stories about innovation which are woven throughout the book to provide meaningful context for each chapter's theme. One of the most exciting elements of his book is in the Appendix - with the "Innovation Workbook." The exercises included here are well suited to be utilized within company training situations - and certainly within a college or an MBA executive training setting.
Bob Rosenfeld sees into the heart of culture within innovation and brings it to life in his book. Making the Invisible Visible is a "must read" for anyone interested in effecting real change in the corporate world.
Derek Streets-Anderson
1.2.07
Human Component is Key in Innovation.......2006-12-28
Rosenfeld's book is outstanding in that it is an easy to follow guide on making innovation a success. For businesses, education and laypeople alike, Rosenfeld does an excellent job of outlining the 8 major principles for sustaining innovation. Rosenfeld sites real-life examples and history to encourage and engage the reader. His workbook in the back of the book serves as a curriculum for students of innovation. I strongly recommend this book as a must-read for anyone who is interested in furthering his aspirations in innovating !
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Making the Invisible Visible: A Multicultural Planning History (California Studies in Critical Human Geography , No 2)
Manufacturer: University of California Press
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Cosmopolis II
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Readings in Planning Theory (Studies in Urban & Social Change)
ASIN: 0520207351 |
Book Description
The history of planning is much more, according to these authors, than the recorded progress of planning as a discipline and a profession. These essays counter the mainstream narrative of rational, scientific development with alternative histories that reveal hitherto invisible planning practices and agendas. While the official story of planning celebrates the state and its traditions of city building and regional development, these stories focus on previously unacknowledged actors and the noir side of planning.
Through a variety of critical lenses--feminist, postmodern, and postcolonial--the essays examine a broad range of histories relevant to the preservation and planning professions. Some contributors uncover indigenous planning traditions that have been erased from the record: African American and Native American traditions, for example. Other contributors explore new themes: themes of gendered spaces and racist practices, of planning as an ordering tool, a kind of spatial police, of "bodies, cities, and social order" (influenced by Foucault, Lefebvre, and others), and of resistance.
This scrutiny of the class, race, gender, ethnic, or ideological biases of ideas and practices inherent in the notion of planning as a modernist social technology clearly points to the inadequacy of modernist planning histories. Making the Invisible Visible redefines planning as the regulation of the physicality, sociality, and spatiality of the city. Its histories provide the foundation of a new, alternative planning paradigm for the multicultural cities of the future.
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Making Visible the Invisible
Carole Zucker
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
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ASIN: 0810822202 |
Book Description
...a contribution to the neglected area of serious study of film acting... recommended... --CHOICE
Product Description
Wednesday Night Applications lecture in which well known Marriage and Family Counselors Gordon and Carrie Taylor discuss practical approaches to uncovering hidden talents, skills and areas of healing in ourselves and others.
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Jewish Women's Writing in Britain: Making the invisible visible
Claire M. Tylee
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
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ASIN: 0230500749
Release Date: 2008-06-10 |
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Making Invisible Latino Adolescents Visible: A Critical Approach to Latino Diversity (Garland Reference Library of Social Science)
Montero-Sieburt
Manufacturer: Routledge
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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer
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Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
ASIN: 0815323441 |
Book Description
Making Invisible Latino Adolescents Visibleexplores both economic and social factors that hinder the progress of Latino youth in the United States.
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Teenage Hipster in the Modern World: From the Birth of Punk to the Land of Bush: Thirty Years of Apocalyptic Journalism
Mark Jacobson
Manufacturer: Grove Press, Black Cat
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The Year of Magical Thinking
ASIN: 0802170080 |
Book Description
In the pages of The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, Esquire, New York, Maxim, and GQ, Mark Jacobson has carried on in the tradition of such titans as Joe Mitchell, A. J. Liebling, Jimmy Breslin, and Pete Hamill as one of New York City's finest journalistic provocateurs. Now he collects the best of his years in Teenage Hipster in the Modern World.
Jacobson has been witness to a decidedly different sort of history. His "beats" range far and wide, delving into the realms of politics, sports, and celebrity in pieces on such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Julius Erving, Chuck Berry, Pam Grier (in her Scream, Blacula, Scream days), Martin Scorsese, and many others. But for Jacobson, New York City has always been Topic Number One. Jacobson tells the story of the city in his classic essays on the beginnings of punk rock back in the times of "pregentrification" to the heart-wrenching days of 9/11.
With a foreword from best-selling author Richard Price, Teenage Hipster in the Modern World is a hilarious and poignant snapshot of a city, a generation, and a man who wonders how he went from hanging out at CBGB to being an AARP card-holding father of three.
Customer Reviews:
Praise With Caveat.......2005-08-15
I don't know that I trust myself to review this book. It has become something like a bible for me. I crack it open for inspiration to write, or to see things from a new perspective. Like any retrospective, it judges the life work of a man, not just a brief moment of time. That said, Jacobson's writing is crisp and fresh throughout. It is hard to pinpoint when he is the best; because he is always the best. Each essay is perfect. Some scrape the edges of beyond perfection, where distinctions fall away and confusion sets in. Where one tries to process exactly how he recording all this brilliant information. This is the modern world I want to live in. Where gangsters, pimps, movie stars and holy men coexist. Where there is place for both the Dali Lama and Pam Grier. This is the world Jacobson lives in, and for a brief period of time, as you read this book, you live in it as well. Luckily, it isn't posthumous, so you can read his essays as they come out regularly. Maybe he is a journalist's journalist. Or a writer's writer. But he is my favorite journalist, and perhaps, my favorite writer. So lest I run from the realm of hero-worship into that of deification (and idol-worship) let me stop here. Read this book. You won't regret it.
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