Wide Angle Vision

Death Valley

Reflecting on how lucky I am to have ventured around this country.  It really helps me deal with the fact that I’m probably not going to get to cover as much physical ground as I would like to in the next few months. I’ve experienced so many wonderful landscapes, but I have not yet experienced the complexity of thought that I would like to achieve.

This past spring, In my search to see a thing called beauty in mathematics, I read numerous books that described the understanding of a proof to summiting a mountain. I think that may be what it’s like for any intellectual pursuit. You stumble into a mess of underbrush, or walk along a clearly labeled path with few detours. Sometimes you can see clearly where you’re trying to get, other times it’s impossible. Like this summer in Organic Chemistry, where I was convinced I absorbed nothing but now in review, I find myself getting excited at the mention of chemical names in scientific papers, and an odd ability to explain some of what’s going on to confused classmates.

This Monday’s reflection complete, I have many hours of devoted study and training to complete.

Mt. Index

“…And miles to go before I sleep.”

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