Most of us agree that teaching mathematics addresses the growth of mental faculties, but there is much more to it. Along with mental faculties, it also helps in the growth of the psychic, vital and physical aspects of one’s life. That is why the mind trained through the study of mathematics is more capable of leading a disciplined life. Mathematics helps to bring forth many qualities and habits.
The study of mathematics helps us to develop our mental faculties like logical thinking, reasoning, analysis and synthesis, organization, imagination, observation, creativity, and decision-making. The step-by-step procedure of solving problems in mathematics encourages the quality of systemization and an organized way of thinking in daily life situations.
Mathematics has an inherent nature that helps the scholar to imbibe many good qualities like punctuality, regularity, neatness, and cleanliness in his daily life. These habits inspire the students to lead a happy and joyful life. Mathematics is also called as a subject of truthfulness. This means that in mathematics you can’t find a variety of answers to a particular problem, instilling precision and truth in the scholar. Like music, arts and dance, mathematics too gives joy. When a child gets interested in a problem, he does not want to leave it unsolved. He tries, fails, and tries again. He learns to persevere.
When, after a long struggle, the solution emerges, the inner joy is immeasurable. Success brings a sense of ecstasy. Archimedes, overjoyed by his discovery of the principle named after him, ran into the street like a child, forgetting that he was naked.
This is the smile that we see in class when a child solves a problem correctly and gets positive reinforcement from the teacher. After such a joyful experience, the interest of the child in mathematics is multiplied.
Through mathematics, some physical aspects come forth. When one engages in solving problems the restlessness of the body disappears and one forgets the tiredness of the body.
Many fine motor skills are developed by measuring with a tape, balance, or sprotractor, or constructing geometrical figures using instruments.
Beauty, love and joyfulness are psychic qualities. In humans, these find ultimate expression in our arts, drawing, painting, architecture, music and dance. To fully appreciate these takes some knowledge of mathematics. Mathematical regularity, symmetry, order and arrangement play a leading part in beautifying and organizing the work of art. Mathematical patterns form the basis of much that we intuitively understand as aesthetics-the interplay of colors and forms, the marvels of nature, the rhythms of poetry and music, the wonders of the universe etc., To conclude mathematics is an integral part of our life. The various relationships between numbers are called mathematics. And these numbers and their beautiful arrangements can be seen in the petals of flowers, leaves, plants, in insects and animals, in the movement of waves, stars, planets and whatnot. Mathematics is also a way of communicating with nature and ourselves.
Taken from: Initial Mathematics, Page number 28-29 by Mirambika, Research Center for Integral Education and human values, published by Sri Aurobindo
Ashram, Delhi
