Nihil,
I don't agree that mathematics is the litmus test for manhood. Mastery of any realm of study, be it the sciences, or arts, requires a similar degree of fortitude.
Mathematics is surely important, but it doesn't singularly occupy the highest plane of intellectual accomplishment, and "art and journalism and acting " are hardly fallbacks "if [one] isn't one of the elect". We are all differently gifted--some students are more naturally right brained than left, and, were I a parent, I'd encourage my child to passionately pursue those areas of study that followed his inner compass, while concurrently developing a strong foundation in other areas as well.
How many budding artists are discouraged from pursuing the development of their native talents because their parents want them to "learn something practical--something where you can get a job with health benefits and a 401(k) plan . . ." and end up with dreary "practical", "manly" existences devoid of the joy they could have experienced by cultivating their gifts and pursuing a career that employs them?
In their realms, Mozart, Van Gogh, Baryshnicov, Mencken, and Olivier were every bit the "men" their mathematic counterparts were. |
