The Calculus of Friendship

Viac o knihe

The story chronicles an extraordinary connection between a teacher and a student through over thirty years of letters. Their unique relationship is rooted in a shared passion for calculus, which serves as a constant in their lives amid change. The teacher transitions from a successful career to retirement, competes in international whitewater kayaking, and faces the loss of a son. Meanwhile, the student evolves from a high school math prodigy to an Ivy League professor, grappling with the sudden death of a parent and a troubled marriage. Throughout these challenges, they find solace in calculus—until it eventually proves insufficient. This narrative mirrors the essence of calculus itself, exploring themes of change and transformation as the student and teacher navigate life's complexities and reverse roles over time. Written by a celebrated mathematics educator, the work is warm, intimate, and deeply moving. It presents inspiring concepts of calculus, differential equations, and chaos theory through engaging metaphors and anecdotes, making it accessible to all readers. Math enthusiasts, from high school students to professionals, will appreciate the unique problems and clear explanations in their correspondence. For anyone influenced by a mentor, this journey will resonate profoundly.