July 5th, 2024

Something happens to everyone

The article explores the question of adversity and probabilities of facing challenges like cancer and depression. It emphasizes cultivating empathy and understanding others' struggles, highlighting the universal nature of suffering.

Read original articleLink Icon
Something happens to everyone

The article discusses the common question of "Why did this happen to me?" when facing adversity and explores answering it from a mathematical perspective. It delves into the probabilities of experiencing various challenges like cancer, depression, genetic disorders, and premature death. The calculations show a 60% chance of facing at least one of these issues personally and a 99.99% probability that someone in your circle of 11 loved ones will encounter a similar challenge. The exercise aims to cultivate empathy by highlighting the universal nature of suffering and the importance of understanding and connecting with others' struggles. The math exercise serves to remind us that everyone faces difficulties in life, fostering compassion and a sense of shared human experience. The article concludes by emphasizing that challenges are a part of everyone's life, debunking the notion that others have it easier and highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating life's obstacles.

Related

Everyday is a Birthday A Journey to a classic problem through Math and Rust

Everyday is a Birthday A Journey to a classic problem through Math and Rust

This article explores the classic probability problem of ensuring every day of the year is represented by a birthday in a group of people, using mathematical concepts like the Coupon Collector Problem and Inclusion-Exclusion Principle. It calculates needing around 2364 students, adjusting to 2669 with leap days, and discusses the gamma function for probability calculation.

It's Getting Harder to Die

It's Getting Harder to Die

In a world of advancing medical technology, families navigate end-of-life care decisions. Personal stories illustrate the emotional weight. The article advocates for discussing preferences and planning ahead for a peaceful process.

Work Hard (2007)

Work Hard (2007)

The article stresses hard work in mathematics over relying on intelligence or waiting for "Eureka" moments. It emphasizes detailed understanding, research, quality work, and enjoying the process for success.

Michel Talagrand: Advice to Young Mathematicians (2024) [video]

Michel Talagrand: Advice to Young Mathematicians (2024) [video]

The YouTube video discusses the importance of dedication in mathematics, sharing a personal success story. It emphasizes autonomy in the field and the increasing demand for mathematicians in data analysis and AI.

Uncomfortable truth: How close is "positivity culture" to delusion and denial?

Uncomfortable truth: How close is "positivity culture" to delusion and denial?

The article explores the impact of "positivity culture" on addressing challenges like cancer, emphasizing the importance of balancing optimism with authenticity and acknowledging life's complexities and hardships.

Link Icon 3 comments
By @mittermayr - 5 months
I would love for this to be extended by a time scale. Same math, but split up into the four quarters of life. My 'hope' would be that a lot of the probability of things going wrong around you shifts towards the later stages?
By @cut3 - 5 months
If something didnt happen, that something happening being a change, there would be no time, as time is a measurement of the smallest increment of change.
By @Borrible - 5 months
Well, in the long run we're all dead, right?

No math involved and you probably don't have to experience it.

Case closed.