Mathemophobia

Have you heard of fear of math? Its my pet phobia.

I was not that bad in junior classes. But the subject eluded me thereafter.

I failed to understand why a theorem should begin with an assumption and end up being an indubitable truism.

I guess neither did the teachers.

Most were too engrossed in solving the “problems” themselves. Ms. Nirmal would scratch her head in the midst of an algebraic conundrum. Mrs. Mushran would rush off in a torrent without a comma or full stop, her vocals too soft to command unfaltering attention. Mrs Brown was terror personified. A sadist, she would resort to corporeal punishment at the drop of a hat. In those days it was no offence. Schools swore by the adage spare the rod spoil the brat.

And then there was the eccentric Mr. X of Raisinha Boys’. He would mumble constantly under his breath. Unfortunately, he was our neighbour. Some said he was terrorized by his wife and others that he had completely lost it solving sums! 😲😲

In the higher secondary classes, I had a math tutor. Reputed to be an excellent coach with a caustic tongue. He had a sarcastic smile and piercing gaze as though he had already figured out my incapabilities.

When my sister ushered him in with a respectful, ” Please come in, sir” , he would reply, “I have already arrived.”

He too was happy filling up pages with signs and symbols as I stared uncomprehendingly. Undoubtedly he loved the subject. The syllabus was on his tips. Alas, he could not transmit the passion to his deficient student.

At work front I am surrounded by finance geniuses. They are apt at disparaging if you show lack of understanding. I envy their skill and approach to all things in life from the standpoint of pecuniary loss and gain. I readily confess my inexcusable inability in wealth generation and tax implications. They take pity and patiently impart the rudiments not knowing I am a mathemophobic.