{∅, {∅}, {∅, {∅}}} : Rage Against the Meat Grinder

Nothing to report from this end of the penal colony.

One thing I can say is that I was fortunate to have hunted down those Dolciani texts when I did.

One that I am going through, a 1986 Algebra 2 / Trigonometry text,  which I picked up back in May for seven dollars, has gone through the roof since then:  a hundred dollars and up.

Strange, no?   It's as though there may be a small cult who are collecting and studying these unique so-called "high school math" books.

The solution key for Modern Introductory Analysis, which I acquired last February, is no longer to be found, nor is the Teacher's edition (with manual) which I grabbed in April  ... and there is only one more copy of the solution key to the other version of Introductory Analysis.  I am fortunate to have invested in a far less expensive copy back in April.

So, I guess I am counting my blessings, one being that I followed my impulses when I hunted down exactly what I wanted to study intensely over the next few years.  In a way, I was one of the few chosen by the "invisibles" to be granted copies of what I perceived to be rare treasures before the prices became prohibitive or they simply disappeared from the face of the earth (for sale, that is).

Does it help to speak of invisible forces?  No, I suppose not; but one can make believe, no?  Maybe there are some kind of invisible forces, like ghosts, who might take an interest in us ... maybe even the ghost of Schopenhauer?  Who knows?  It's more likely that the entire universe is indifferent; and yet, if any part of our mind sees some kind of broader perspective, then that part of my mind might have a better sense of which books would have the most profound effect on my mind were i to devote my attention to them as though to some kind of majestic oracle.

I really think that, if we live long enough, one of these days, many years from now, I might be able to mail gigital copies of my math notes to India, notes which would be far more organized than the drunken and manic scribblings written from 1987 to 2015.

Holden, if you can endure this life for another 10 years or so, there may be a treasure heading your way if you find yourself becoming more curious about the formal study of mathematics in the future.

If not, that's ok too.  If I get anywhere with what I am studying; if I experience some breakthroughs and find that it hasn't all been in vain, then it would be great to share the mind treasures with someone.

While I certainly do feel like I am in my own orbit, there must be at least a handful of others following a similar path at this moment ... far off the beaten path.

Well, that's it from me.  I refuse to become more depressed than usual just because of the hype about a "new year".  I'll crack open a Ginger Ale and follow my normal routine, which is to quit working on math exercises right about now and do a little reading.

I've been reading through the book on SPK (Dr. Hubert) and a handful of other books.

If I work on math too late into the night, at a certain point it becomes pointless.

In fact, I find that if I want to settle down to do some reading, I also have to turn off the computer.

Peace brothers.