joe

I lead a double life, working in a full time finance job in London alongside studying a second degree in applied mathematics and physics. 

I have always been attracted to mathematics, a theme that has remained reasonably constant throughout my life. Mathematics however is unacceptably vague given the broad and ever increasing horizons of the subject. I first became interested through reasonably pure applications (real analysis, coding theory, algebra) but have gradually become attracted to more applied studies. This isn’t to say I don’t still enjoy both, I think that some of the most interesting discoveries come from transitioning pure mathematics to applied settings.

I am not a full time student by any stretch, I work in a finance job in London which regularly has 60 hour weeks, and in bad patches 80-100 hour weeks. There are of course 268 hours in a week, and I use the remaining for sleep, exercise, this blog, family, my relationship and study – in no particular order. I currently have a loading equivalent to 75% of a full year at university, which means my posts on here will be more sporadic than I would like.

If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to get in touch. I only write about things I know, so to the extent that your question relates to anything I have written I should be able to answer. I am also quite willing to talk with anyone who like me, feels they wish to juggle the demands of full time career with studying. This is more than possible today, and allows you to enjoy the benefits of a stable income, alongside the joy that learning things bring. It does require financial and personal sacrifices, but these should be inconsequential to anyone truly committed to this path.

I have laid out a reasonably detailed study timeline below, which details my experience to date, if anyone is interested.

Past

2009 – 2012 – BSc Mathematics and Economics, University of Leeds, full time degree studied with the aim of combining my love for mathematics with the joys of something that would assist me in getting a job.

2012 – 2015 – ACA, Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales, a professional qualification which allows me to call myself a Chartered Accountant, required by my degree. It was during this time it became clear that my education was far from complete.

2016 – BSc Mathematics and Physics, The Open University, Level 1 content of the Open University taken. Ideally I would have progressed straight to Masters level, however my applied mathematical content was lacking due to my previous pure mathematical background.

2017 – BSc Mathematics and Physics, The Open University, 50% of Level 2 content studied. Rate is slower than I would have liked, but I have a full time job on the side which requires significant time commitment.

2018 – CFA Institute – Level 1, A further professional examination required by my employment. With a 300 hour study commitment and a full time job, a painful break was required from study.

Present

2018/19 – BSc Mathematics and Physics, The Open University, Currently studying all second year Physics content, along with third year content in Complex Analysis.

Future

2019/20 – BSc Mathematics and Physics, The Open University, Completion of undergraduate physics and mathematics content, with modules in fluid mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and Special Relativity. 

Beyond – Currently unknown, but likely to involve either a Masters or PhD, all done part time. 

All comments made on this blog are made in a personal capacity and are not the views of any professional body or organisation to which I am a member or an employee.

joseph@rationalisingtheuniverse.org

85 responses to “joe”

  5. Fascinating bio. From someone who was brought up and lives in Sir Isaac Newton’s hometown, mathematics and physics have always been a part of air we breathe here – I was in his bedroom the other day wishing I understood them more. Perhaps your blog will enlighten me.

    Liked by 2 people

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  9. hello 🙂
    I have also a sort of passion, more curiosity, for what’s going on in the universe. However my academic background is at some galaxies away from mathematics and physics. I’m glad I found your blog to read short articles – hopefully I will understand – in order to get the right glance at our world. Thanks for sharing your passion!
    PS: If you know a link to ‘The explaination of wrapped universe for dummies, would you tell me? thanks by advance

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Great blog (I read the Energy post too but couldn’t think of any questions – he he he) but it did make me want to know more about you. We share the idea that the blog is about our journey through this life. Congrats on your under 7minute mile – extended run.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Hey! I really enjoy reading your blog and the way you write the texts – they complete me somehow. I study Biology and I’m completely passionate about Philosophy… I see your blog as a tool to expand my knowledge on these subjects.

    I look forward to reading it all!
    Congrats!

    Liked by 2 people

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  17. Hi joseph… 🙂 .. nice to meet you. I just want to say you I love your blog. Is there any way to contact you, via email? thank you. Hope to hear from you soon. Giulia

    Liked by 2 people

  18. It seems to me a very interesting blog. I love all this question, but I have ever one for you.
    How do you find free time to read and also answer to this blogger?

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, Joseph!! My father has the same background as you. Although my profession in life is actually accounting, I tend to use the other side of my brain more. Still, I will continue to visit and read your blogs! You are a wonderful writer and I am happy to know you!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. I see time is a theme betwixt you co-authors. 🙂 I often think of time as merely a construct to delineate our varied paths and keep us sane. It’s so much more than that, but truly considering it feels like a deep well one could become lost within. I hope your future deep thoughts find worthy knowledge to enjoy!

    Liked by 1 person

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      • Overall – very good but there are frustrations I must be honest. One example would be in certain modules they removed printed copies of books, saying it was not for cost reasons and raised the fees in the same year. Yet, if you want a hard copy of the book they want £60 – which seems a bit off. The materials are really good. Personally I think Level 1 is below the standard of a regular university (I have graduated once!) but second year is a bit above – then third year seems to be having reviewed the materials about right. Overall – you will know as much as anyone who has come from a traditional university when you leave; but it takes a huge amount of self discipline. What route are you taking?

        Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you for the insight. Thinking of Biology/Chemistry. (The Physics route or Psychology also interests me but we can’t do everything). I don’t have an issue with paying for a service, but I just wonder how they can justify such high fees when things like books, laboratory sessions, exams and tutorials aren’t included. I’ve had disappointing interactions with their student ‘advisors’ for the most simple questions, but in the broader frame of things, that isn’t important. If the standard is, as you say, at the end of the final year is the same as a traditional university, I get a good academic framework for exploring the mysteries of science, and I learn something I wouldn’t otherwise, then it will be worth it.

        P.S. Pleased to see such a brilliant mind hasn’t been dulled by the Chartered status/accounting career! Not a criticism and I know real life gets in the way of stuff – your blog is great.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Yes – the OU has gorwn a huge amounts from its humble beginnings and is creaking a little bit in the way a large organisation with small infrastructure does. but you can find your way – generally the tutors are very good. If you have some level of study behind you do prepare to be frustrated in year 1; but otherwise academically it’s good with some really frustrating bits around the side!

        And thank you very much! It is difficult at times to balance the double commitment but always worth it

        Liked by 2 people

      • Do you get much interaction with your tutors or is it basically ingesting huge piles of materials and clarifying any major points you get stuck on with the tutor? (That is essentially what many traditional universities have become in certain subjects but that’s a different topic ;-))

        Liked by 1 person

      • In theory – you get as much interaction as you need. My first year tutor was really responsive, phoned me to see how I was getting on etc. You also go to physical tutorials throughout the module – which are really good to consolidate (although if you are REALLY comfortable with the material it can be a waste of time). These are run by all different tutors which again is good, alongside the online materials. Occasionally, like I have now you have a slow tutor – you just need to keep pushing with them to get what you want. It’s effort, but it has always been the same my whole life – at school, in my first degree at a traditional university, in the workplace and now the OU!

        Liked by 2 people

      • Hear hear. Can’t disagree with the last phrase. Thanks very much. Very helpful. Are the physical tutorials recorded and put online for those who can’t attend? (Apologies for the gazillion questions).

        Liked by 1 person

      • The face to face ones are not but you get the slides and problem sets provided. All the online ones are; that’s for the science ones anyway. If you were to take any maths modules there you choose if you attend and online or a face to face; so a little different. No problem – let me know if there is anything else at all!

        Liked by 2 people

    • Yes, Joseph, I agree with internationalhuusfrau about your career-induced quarter-life crisis brought on by the lack of change and challenge in your job as an accountant.

      However, were you to become a scientist and/or academic staff, you might find some systemic issues and institutional problems or barriers more dreadful and deplorable than the “humdrum monotony devoid of natural light”, as discussed in a special post on my main website at https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2016/08/17/do-plants-and-insects-coevolve/

      As for your chosen journey or preferred specialization, your writing quoted below shows that you have an expansive mind in pursuit of some of the age-old existential questions:

      Within that the two areas I like to study more than anything are Mathematics and Physics – and many, including myself would argue these are not two distinct subjects. They are the only subjects for me which are worth studying (no offence meant – this is a personal bio). They are as real as it gets: What? Why? Who? Where? When? How? The subjects attempt to answer the question which at some time must have bothered us all; why are we actually here? Are we a terrible design or are we a beautiful accident?

      It does amuses me that the quote above is just as valid, cogent and compelling when one substitutes “Mathematics and Physics” with “Biology and Natural (or Evolutionary) Sciences.

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      • Some very interesting thoughts – an very very thorough article with amazing referencing. It’s actually a very interesting thought and not one I have given any consideration to before! I hate to admit it but you are almost right with regard to the biology and natural sciences point! The only caveat I would make is I do believe that Physics has an extra layer of richness in its attempt the most fundamental building block possible within the universe. It is this thirst to go smaller and smaller that really attracts me to the subject. That is’t of course to say I am not fascinated by evolutionary studies – it is of course fundamental to my being. Dawkins’ books were favorites of mine growing up

        Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you, Joseph. It would be also heuristic and helpful if you could also provide comment(s) right at the comment section of the article at https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2016/08/17/do-plants-and-insects-coevolve/

        To begin with, I would be very curious to know how you, as a very potent entity rationalising the universe, feel and/or rationalise about some of the issues and subject matters of the article, regardless of the levels of your expertise and interest.

        Like

  24. Wow. Great work. Your book should be called “Consciousness–The Final Frontier.” I am new to your blog–have you looked into meditation studies and consciousness? Is there is a difference in brain wave patterns during meditation vs. sleep/dream states?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you very much I am glad you have enjoyed the blog! I just hope I am able to have a book one day – title regardless (within reason)! I must disclaim I do not know much about meditation; but my understanding is it’s actually more like a heightened sense of being awake when done properly. So the emotional responses are raised and not dampened

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I am so happy to read your blog. You have an authentic voice that connects with the reader. Your love for maths and physics and your musings about quarter life crisis makes it very interesting. I love maths and even now I find it exhilarating. I think writing is a wonderful way to connect with self. Look forward to reading more of your posts.

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    • Hello and thank you very much for your lovely comment! I am glad you have found the blog of interest and that you, just like us are thrilled by the challenges posed to us in modern mathematics. I look forward to staying connected!

      Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you very much! Me and Mekhi love to get comments like this! I think it is very unlikely that the reality we are living in is base reality – which means anything we define as real or not real is only so in the confines of our reality…. it is an interesting point; to which I believe the answer is yes, they are real but not in the way we perceive them. We romanticise over our consciousness in a very unscientific manner. Thanks for visiting our blog!

      Like

  29. Thoroughly enjoy your blog. Can really feel the passion toward science and looking forward to reading more. Loved the “are we a terrible design or are we a beautiful accident” and the followed explanation. I agree that people are heavily wasting their intelligence on games and such. Documenting your journey on the blog is inspiring!

    Like

    • Thank you very much! I am so glad that you enjoy the blog, always makes our day to find someone like minded who appreciates our approach. Thank you for visiting

      Like

  30. You are a young man after my own heart I could sit and converse with you for hours. I just read one of your posts. So you will know I subscribe to the “Law of Reciprocity” under which the universe operates. I may write about that. Enjoy your work !

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you very much! I am glad you find something you like in my writing; I am not looking for everyone to agree or find interest in it, but as long as someone is taking something from it the whole thing is worthwhile! I will make sure I get over to your blog and read an article in due course – although I am currently on the Christmas Market trail in Hamburg!

      Liked by 1 person

  32. I see we both believe in the power of things unseen. I know that coincidences are really nothing to get excited about because they happen MORE OFTEN than many realize. Not sure I accept that the Universe will die. I’ll have to re-read. I have come to see that Earth, however, is an open system that regenerates itself. Happy to find your site because one grandson is a very serious physics student at Univ. of Illinois. Thank you for your most interesting site.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Hi Joseph – thanks for liking the FOCAL Countdown blog post about Leeds! If you’re interested in attending the event, all the details are available here: https://focalcountdown.co.uk/upcoming-events/leeds/ Entry is just £10. Please feel free to bring friends, family members, other halves, work colleagues, etc; the more the merrier! 🙂 Would be great to meet you. If you can’t make it, you can always subscribe to our page, and we’ll let you know when new events are announced, including October’s Huddersfield tournament. All the best!

    Liked by 1 person

  39. Hi Joseph – very interesting topics. I do not have any kind of formal background in anything but have always found studying about the unknown aspects of our universe breathtaking at times. Most recently, quantum mechanics has become a fascinating world for me. Can’t say I understand the details, but I enjoy reading theories about the subject, and I have opinions. Lots of them. Stay strong to your beliefs.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi, thank you very much for reading. You truly don’t need a formal background at all to enjoy and challenge yourself to understand the big concepts in Physics toady. Of course if you are looking to really get behind the detail at some point there is a need to take on some more rigorous study, but even so there is so much that can be learned and enjoyed simply by engaging with free materials available online. Thank you for your encouragement

      Liked by 1 person

  40. “Waste less, do more, counterbalance relativity with frightening productivity and live with a burning impatience.” I love this…it should be on a T-shirt or mug…I’ll buy both. Your post really resonated with me (I’m at midlife…I hope.) Thank you for sharing a great analysis. It said everything I’ve been feeling.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. Dear Joseph, I saw you have a ‘featured on Discover’ button on your site. After Inktober 2016 my blog was mentioned on Discover, how do I get the button, thanks for any advice. Sincerely

    Like

  42. Hey Joseph, well done! While I am mathematically illiterate,I appreciate those who are not! I also liked your notion of “placate the beast with Thursday drinks, low level of sports competition and impressing old school friends by checking into expensive places on Facebook”
    Looking forward to hearing more.
    Best wishes

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you very much! I am very glad you enjoy the rhetoric! My way of thinking isn’t for everyone, but wouldn’t life be dull id we all thought the same – certainly wouldn’t be anything to argue about!

      Liked by 1 person

  43. I’d like to adopt the motto from Feynman (at the top), “Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible.” This is what I have been doing forever, it seems.

    Liked by 1 person

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