A battle cry of the reform is “Mathematics for all! ” In an attempt to make this come true, there is presently a conscientious effort to spread the news that “Math is fun! ” While applauding the good intention, we never- theless must ask whether the constant repetition of this slogan like a mantra helps students learn mathematics. Have students been told that this kind of “fun” includes the fun of working hard to solve difficult problems? Nothing good comes cheaply, and learning mathematics is no exception. We owe it to the students to tell them honestly about the hard work needed to learn mathematics. One mathematician did.
