It has to be accepted that by and large, learning Mathematics is not one of the favourite activities among the young. This phenomenon is universal and found in varying degrees in different countries and different cultures. In western countries particularly, by and large, enjoyment of Mathematics is positively looked down upon among the young learners. In many societies, ‘I never could do Math’ is almost a fashion statement among adults and a person who is good at Math or enjoys thinking about and trying to solve mathematical problems, even puzzles, is dismissed as a nerd or a freak or worse. In contrast, as a review in a recent issue of the Notices of American Mathematical Society brings out, among the Chinese, ‘everyone is expected to try and develop his/her Mathematical skills to the extent he/she can, in much the same way every American is expected to try and develop his ball-skills, whether in baseball or basketball or football.’
It is not that everyone is expected to be a Michael Jordan but in the young days, everyone happily exposes himself to playing some ball game, at least enough to throw ball with his children over the weekends in his adult days.
There is no comparable social atmosphere in western societies for young ones or even adults to get similarly involved in mathematical skills. This is a pity because in the highly demanding societies of today, even professions that were undemanding earlier find it useful now-a-days to have a more-than-a-passing proficiency in Mathematical skills and knowledge of basic Sciences.