Or what we have that machines don’t.
Mathematicians derive joy from tackling maths problems, just like solving puzzles. Any good financial modeller should feel the same way and honing mathematical skills makes us better thinkers and problem solvers.
In his book, Mathematical Intelligence, mathematician Junaid Mubeen identifies and expands upon seven areas of mathematical intelligence where humans retain a crucial edge over machines and artificial intelligence:
- Estimation. Humans have an inherent sense of number.
- Representations of knowledge. Play close attention to the things that computers cannot see.
- Reasoning. Wisdom and insight are traits that are not easy to encode.
- Imagination. It is a human virtue to break the rules, think outside the box.
- Questioning. Machines cannot emulate the human drive for enquiry.
- Temperament. Why speed is overrated, getting into flow and the wisdom of “sleeping on it”.
- Collaboration. Discuss with one another and think. Too much faith is placed in data-driven projections.
This book is a great read for financial modellers. Read it and bring Mubeen’s wisdom into your daily work.