Steven Strogatz is doing OK

Steven Strogatz, a Cornell University mathematics professor, is beginning to accept the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on his field. The 67-year-old scholar, who shed tears about the fleeting nature of human life on The Daily podcast last month, told Business Insider he is in the "acceptance phase" regarding AI's role in mathematics.

Strogatz, who has become a de facto spokesman for the math community, has received numerous emails from curious students, ministers, and even OpenAI engineers since AI released hundreds of solutions for a complex mathematical problem on October 6. Initially, he received a phone call from OpenAI seeking his reaction before the release. However, he highlighted one particularly amazing AI solution, comparing it to Bob Beamon's long jump record in the 1968 Olympics.

Strogatz attributes his fortitude to his role as an educator, emphasizing the importance of giving a message of optimistic hope to his students without causing them undue distress. During a recent class, he used AI to assist in explaining a complex quantum mechanics problem, demonstrating the tool's potential to enhance understanding.

Despite the excitement surrounding AI's capabilities, Strogatz cautioned that future generations may miss the deep, transformative experiences that come from struggling with challenging problems. He expressed concern that relying solely on AI for problem-solving might lead to a superficial understanding of mathematics.