Madam, - Kevin Myers's Irishman's Diary of April 30th decried the value of learning mathematics. Education is about not just the learning, but also the application of knowledge. Unfortunately, our secondary school system is primarily concerned with how to acquire knowledge, but not how to think.
In the absence of a dedicated subject on how to think, mathematics is the primary mechanism for teaching the application of knowledge. Whenever, from time to time, Mr Myers applies logic, we can be certain that he didn't pick up these skills learning his French verbs.
Mr Myers denigrates "mathematical abstracts" and goes on to list a gallimaufry of topics students should learn more about. Understanding many of the topics he listed is a trivial matter once one has a grasp of maths. Knowing how to think abstractly obviates the need to carry around vast quantities of infrequently used information.
Mr Myers also bemoans the fact that he has not used "these siny things" since he left school. He may not have used his Shakespeare either, but I'm sure he has found the ability to critically analyse quite useful. It is the process, not the detail, which is worth remembering. - Yours, etc.,
CONOR TOOLAN, Clonsilla, Dublin 15.