Ego and Math | Stanford Math Department Commencement Speech 2023

Summary

In an inspiring address to the class of 2023, the speaker shares their journey with mathematics, highlighting the evolution from an ego-driven passion to a deeper appreciation for its beauty and utility. They emphasize the importance of choosing career paths that focus on helping others rather than seeking personal recognition. By reflecting on their experiences, the speaker encourages graduates to evaluate their motivations and priorities, suggesting that true fulfillment arises from contributing positively to society. This thoughtful reflection serves as a guiding principle for graduates as they embark on their future endeavors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of understanding user experience (UX) as a fundamental aspect of design and development.
• 😀 Effective UX design can significantly enhance user satisfaction and engagement with products.
• 😀 Conducting thorough user research is crucial for identifying user needs and preferences.
• 😀 Accessibility should be prioritized in UX design to ensure all users can engage with the product effectively.
• 😀 Iterative design processes, including prototyping and testing, are essential for refining UX.
• 😀 Collaboration among cross-functional teams can lead to better design outcomes and innovative solutions.
• 😀 Emotional design plays a key role in how users perceive and interact with products.
• 😀 Understanding the user's journey helps in creating seamless experiences across various touchpoints.
• 😀 Metrics and analytics are valuable tools for measuring the effectiveness of UX and guiding improvements.
• 😀 Staying updated with industry trends and best practices is vital for UX professionals to remain competitive.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main message in their commencement speech?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of reevaluating personal motivations and the value of contributions to ensure a fulfilling future.

How did the speaker initially feel about math during their childhood?

The speaker viewed math as a game, largely influenced by their father's approach, which fostered a sense of enjoyment.

What role did ego play in the speaker's relationship with math?

Ego motivated the speaker to excel in math, as they enjoyed the self-satisfaction that came from being perceived as good at a subject deemed difficult by others.

How did the speaker's motivation for studying math change over time?

Initially driven by ego and success, the speaker's motivation evolved to a genuine appreciation for the beauty of math.

What does the speaker suggest about the nature of 'interesting' problems?

The speaker points out that 'interesting' often refers to problems that are challenging rather than useful, highlighting a shift in how they evaluated math.

What was the significance of the speaker's YouTube channel, 'Three Blue One Brown'?

The channel began as a platform for creative and original math content, but later shifted focus to meet learners' needs and provide useful explanations.

How did the speaker's experience at Khan Academy differ from their earlier content creation?

At Khan Academy, the speaker focused on producing content based on student needs, contrasting with earlier motivations centered on originality and distinctiveness.

What key lesson did the speaker learn about fulfilling work?

The speaker learned that choosing topics based on how they help others leads to deeper fulfillment than pursuing novelty for its own sake.

What advice does the speaker offer to graduates regarding their future careers?

Graduates are encouraged to be mindful of their motivations and the impact of their work on others, rather than focusing solely on personal success.

What final thoughts does the speaker leave with the graduates?

The speaker underscores the need to reassess motivations and contributions to enhance the richness of their future endeavors.