
Barbara Oakley
A science-based, practical guide to learning math and science effectively—no matter your background.
Barbara Oakley flunked math in high school but later became a professor of engineering.
Section 1
8 Sections
Let’s begin our journey with a gentle reminder: the world of learning is not reserved for the chosen few.
Our story starts with a simple truth: the belief that you are 'not a math person' or 'not a science person' is a myth. The human brain is not a rigid structure; it is a living, changing landscape. Decades ago, it was believed that intelligence was fixed, that some people were born with a gift for numbers or logic while others were not. But science has shown us otherwise. The brain is plastic, capable of rewiring itself through practice and focused effort.
Consider the story of a language-loving student who once dreaded numbers and equations, believing she was doomed to fail. She flunked her way through math in school, convinced she simply didn’t have 'the brain' for it. Yet, through a turning point in her life, she decided to try again, this time with patience and new strategies. Slowly, the fog lifted. What once seemed impossible became possible, and eventually, enjoyable. She didn’t just learn math—she became a professor of engineering. Her journey is a beacon to all who have doubted themselves.
This opening section is more than an invitation; it is a promise.
What is the key message of the author's personal story?
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Abilities are developed through effort, not innate.
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Discover how anyone can master math, science, or any tough subject with proven brain techniques from Barbara Oakley’s bestseller.
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