Buddhism teaches that all our problems are opportunities for growth. But how could heartbreak possible make someone better at math? Alex Scheffelin, of New York, shares how he used a moment of hopelessness to propel him to becoming a PhD student at Columbia University.
Cheat Sheet
01:56 Alex forms his own relationship with Buddhism
07:45 Chanting for the happiness of a girlfriend
10:48 Heartbreak and hopelessness
14:27 Choosing math over despair
20:31 Turning poison into medicine
25:17 Moving across the country
28:21 The ups and downs of depression
32:48 Thinking of others gives us purpose
36:18 Everything can change in one moment
39:05 Consistency brings growth
45:54 How can I help others as a mathematician?
50:36 Advice for someone who wants to start chanting
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