I still don't understand how the author jumped from a cute comparison of Fibonacci algorithms to saying programmers shouldn't learn more math. Math isn't just arithmetic and numbers. He acts as if the recursive solution isn't also math.
Developing mathematical maturity is, in my opinion, an excellent way to think more clearly, precisely, and rationally about any problem, even if it doesn't necessarily involve numbers. The author could make the case that number theory in particular isn't directly applicable to many problems (I do have a lot of fun with Project Euler though), but again, math isn't just about numbers. Math teaches you how to reason about the relationships and patterns between objects (which can be numbers, vectors, spaces, groups, rings, etc. In a certain sense, you become more comfortable with higher levels abstraction, and it requires you to be precise and explicit about assumptions.
That's jut my two cents. Math education is pretty dismal in the US, but math can be very enjoyable if you find the right textbook, teacher, or even free online class nowadays. Never fear math.
EDIT: The author has pointed out that he is making a play on words between "math" and "Math" (the mathematical library). I didn't understand that when I wrote this post.
I reread the article with that in mind, and it makes much more sense, to the point that I am inclined to agree with much of what you said now. I think you should highlight that difference closer to the beginning of the article. That is a nice, subtle play on words.
how much emphasis to give to which messages is always the hardest part for me to writing these posts. I'll keep in mind that at times I can be too subtle.
Developing mathematical maturity is, in my opinion, an excellent way to think more clearly, precisely, and rationally about any problem, even if it doesn't necessarily involve numbers. The author could make the case that number theory in particular isn't directly applicable to many problems (I do have a lot of fun with Project Euler though), but again, math isn't just about numbers. Math teaches you how to reason about the relationships and patterns between objects (which can be numbers, vectors, spaces, groups, rings, etc. In a certain sense, you become more comfortable with higher levels abstraction, and it requires you to be precise and explicit about assumptions.
That's jut my two cents. Math education is pretty dismal in the US, but math can be very enjoyable if you find the right textbook, teacher, or even free online class nowadays. Never fear math.
EDIT: The author has pointed out that he is making a play on words between "math" and "Math" (the mathematical library). I didn't understand that when I wrote this post.