Ideas change everything

An unexpected tool for understanding inequality: abstract math

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Eugenia Cheng |

TEDxLondon

• July 2018

How do we make sense of a world that doesn't? By looking in unexpected places, says mathematician Eugenia Cheng. She explains how applying concepts from abstract mathematics to daily life can lead us to a deeper understanding of things like the root of anger and the function of privilege. Learn more about how this surprising tool can help us to empathize with each other.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

How do we make sense of a world that doesn't? By looking in unexpected places, says mathematician Eugenia Cheng. She explains how applying concepts from abstract mathematics to daily life can lead us to a deeper understanding of things like the root of anger and the function of privilege. Learn more about how this surprising tool can help us to empathize with each other.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxLondon, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Mathematician, pianist

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Eugenia Cheng devotes her life to mathematics, the piano and helping people.

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The Art of Logic in an Illogical World

Eugenia Cheng | Basic Books (2018)

Eugenia Cheng - *The Art of Logic in an Illogical World*

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxLondon, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.