How Math Explains the World

Mathematics is sometimes called a religion since it is pretty much the language of Physics or even Science in general, which goes a long way in explaining the world. Well, that may be a bit far-fetched or maybe not since any explanation for the world as it is has potholes anyway. However, this book I read recently by Stein called How Math Explains the World is really worth a read. The book talks not only about how integrated the applications of all the forays into Math and Physics are into the world around us, but also manages to invoke curiosity and a yearning to know more. Many of us recall the Laplace Transform, the Youngs' Modulus, the Planck's constant etc, as just arduous concepts we were compelled to learn. Well, this book sure gave me an attitude transplant. I see the world in numbers now :) Or maybe also as beautiful geometry. But thats not all the book has to offer. Some really fascinating insights such as the ability of photons to "know" that they are being watched, or how an epidemic of fever compelled people to discover irrational numbers, or how the Hope Diamond got its name, or why the car you sent for repair is never ready on time, or a list of "impossible" problems mankind can never solve- its all there. And if you lasted the end of this blogpost, you will surely love it :)