Ask HN: Would you show up to an adult math circle?

by mrdmndon 10/16/2021, 12:57 PMwith 3 comments

Traditionally, math circles are a group activity where a bunch of young students get together to discuss mathematics that they might not have otherwise seen in school.

I'm a mid-career software engineer who was an undergraduate math major a decade ago, and recently realized that I was missing the thrill of learning new math in my life.

I'm curious about starting a math circle for adults in SF - something like twice a month we'd gather somewhere and play mathematical games or discuss a paper together or listen to a guest speaker give a talk.

Did anyone else have this "math club/circle" experience as a child and miss it as an adult? Would anyone be interested in joining something like this?

by j2kunon 10/23/2021, 2:22 AM

I would, and I've thought of starting one in Portland. Not quite sure how to go about it though.

by elviejoon 10/16/2021, 2:24 PM

I have created something like this... we spent 1 year with weekly meetings studying Milowski's: category theory for the working programmer...

3 developers and 1 math teacher... together.

Very rewarding experience

by jimmyvalmeron 10/16/2021, 3:19 PM

I wouldn't. Maths are something I have to work out quietly on my own. Board games and book clubs I get -- far less intellectually taxing.