I maintain regular contact with numerous students. Some genuinely seek understanding rather than merely chasing publications (the latter phrase was, of course, delivered with intentional irony). As both an academic and a parent – and recalling my own student days – I’ve observed that our state education system remains far from perfect. While I firmly believe privatisation isn’t the solution, I’m equally convinced that education should be universally accessible, publicly funded, and fundamentally equip students with critical thinking skills – the essential tools for genuine intellectual freedom.
Finding myself repeatedly composing similar emails to these students, I’ve consolidated my thoughts on this page – aptly named Pygmalion. This serves as a primer on cultivating one’s humanity generally, with particular focus on mastering mathematics and physics for those so inclined. The guide remains perpetually unfinished – a work in progress – but provides at least a starting point.
You’ll find the content organised in the menu under the “Pygmalion” subcategories.