<ol>
<li><p>Do you realize that studying how to solve a geometry proof or how to bond two molecules or write a computer program might be considered impractical and useless to some people who never plan to use these skills or information?</p></li>
<li><p>You may not realize this, but critical thinking is the basis of all we know and all the disciplines we now have to study and rely on to see the world, create new things, and solve problems, including getting along with other people and see their points of view.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>There are different schools of thought about HOW to read and analyze literature, which have different assumptions about the writing process, language, the importance of culture and history, and so forth. </p>
<p>Science and Math did not get created in a vacuum. The prevailing culture and philosophy of the time, the thinkers and cultural leaders all contributed. Literature understanding may actually get you to be a better mathematician- you will questions how things are done and why!
It is quite interesting to stand back and question where a teacher is coming from, what their training is, any possible biases and preferences and influences. Reading a book is like opening up your own mind to another world, and the mind of the author and your teacher and your classmates.</p>
<p>Yes, in Math and Science, it would appear initially that there are objective "right’ answers. But there are usually different ways to get there! A different formula, a different proof, an different order of equations, different graphical representations. This is also a kind or writing and literature.
And, there is an aesthetic quality to math and science- the elegantly simple solution or proof or computer code, the symmetry found in nature, the connection between number, words, ideas, and images…</p>
<p>You are a product of your culture and your time. Learn about it and then compare it to the past. Think about how important it is to be able to communicate what you think is important. And learning to read deeply will give you more ways to hear from others who have something important to say!!</p>