VASQUEZ, VINZ JULIUZ M.

MATWRLD
ODGE8 11907731

REFLECTION PAPER
1. Why do you think that although there are other places in the world that developed
significant mathematics, their mathematics have not had much influence on current
international mathematics?
I observed that math evolves really quickly. Even though there are many theories
and equations available to us now, some of them are quite redundant, thus being outdated
or left out in the evolution process. Some mathematics are complex, but I think the most
important ones are the simple ones. These simple kinds of mathematics are at the core.
They are like the foundation of the always evolving math. I for one think that the
mathematics that were left out are lacking the qualities that the foundations provided,
thus being overshadowed, but never invalidated. Even if these kinds of mathematics are
left out, we should still respect and appreciate them because they can still influence the
world in their own way. Math is very unpredictable. We may not use these “left-out”
mathematics now, but who knows. Maybe in the near future, they will be the new
foundations.
2. Why do you think mathematics changes and grow over time?
In mathematics, I believe there is always room for improvement. Maybe it’s
because of the endless possibilities that mathematics provides. Math is very complex, but
very elegant. Math continues to grow to prevent stagnation. I know, being stuck in math
may take a long time, but progress is inevitable in math. Well, that’s how I view it at the
very least. Some accidents in math can lead to progress. The way I see it, progress is
progress, no matter how it is produced.
3. Who among the mathematicians in the modern world impressed you the most? Why?
This may sound very common, but I absolutely admire John Venn because of his
work in the Venn Diagram. Who knew something so simple could make a huge impact
on the world? It’s so impactful, we even use it in other fields. Well that is my goal in life:
To be able to create something simple, but leaves a huge mark in the world. Simplicity is
very important to me. That is why I admire people like John Venn. I think that you don’t
necessarily need to be complex in order for you to be remembered. You just have to think
about the fundamentals. You just need to do the things that you have to do because I
believe that sometimes, the biggest answers are in the smallest solutions.