Mathematics Quote by Maryam Mirzakhani
“I did poorly in math for a couple of years in middle school; I was just not interested in thinking about it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Personal Reflections on Mathematics, 2015
Early disengagement from a subject can stem from lack of relevance or motivation, but persistence and curiosity can reignite interest.
In simple terms: Disinterest can be overcome with effort and curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Seek relevance and ask questions to reengage with challenging topics.
Themes
motivation
learning
perseverance
education
growth mindset
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
Type
personal
educational
When to use this quote
- middle school math
- career counseling
- STEM outreach
- personal tutoring
Key Concepts
Self‑efficacy
intrinsic motivation
growth mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- What sparked your curiosity in math later on?
- How can educators make math feel more relevant?
A Different Perspective
Changing interests may be due to external pressures, not just internal lack of interest.
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
