Heartbreak Made Me a Better Mathematician

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 how 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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