Dr Biplab Pal
“I’m an arts student; I don’t need to take mathematics seriously!” This is a common sentiment, but it’s far from a prudent approach to building a successful career. In today’s world, mathematics is not just for scientists or engineers; it’s a critical skill for everyone, including those in the arts, to thrive. The reality is that no matter what field you’re in, you will inevitably encounter situations where understanding math can make or break your financial future.
Even as an arts student, you are not exempt from the financial realities of life. The world is increasingly interconnected with investments, business opportunities, and deals, all of which require a solid understanding of numbers. Whether you are investing your time or money, every decision involves the mathematics of profit and loss, both in the short term and long term. In this age, everyone is essentially an investor, and your ability to make wise financial decisions is directly tied to your mathematical skills. Without these skills, you are essentially gambling with your future earnings.
Consider the story of actress Lindsay Lohan. Despite her success in Hollywood, Lohan faced severe financial difficulties due to poor money management and lack of financial discipline. Her story is a classic example of someone who earned millions but lost much of it because of her inability to understand basic financial principles. Without the skills to budget, invest wisely, or even pay taxes on time, Lohan’s financial woes became a public spectacle.
On the other hand, let’s look at Rihanna, who has successfully transformed her earnings from music into a diverse business empire. Rihanna didn’t just rely on her music career; she ventured into fashion and beauty with her brand Fenty, using her financial insight to build a multi-million-dollar business. She invested wisely, understood the market, and managed her finances with a keen eye on profitability. Rihanna’s story shows that you don’t have to be a mathematician to succeed, but you do need to understand the numbers that affect your business and investments.
Another telling example is J.K. Rowling, who became the world’s first billionaire author thanks to her Harry Potter series. But her success wasn’t just about writing books; it was also about managing her royalties, investments, and business deals wisely. Rowling was smart about protecting her brand and making strategic financial decisions that have kept her wealth growing. She understood the importance of financial literacy, even as a writer.
Similarly, in the business world, consider the contrasting stories of tech entrepreneurs Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. While Jobs was known for his visionary leadership at Apple, his ability to understand the business side of things, including financial decisions, helped him turn Apple into one of the world’s most valuable companies. Jobs didn’t just rely on his creative ideas; he knew how to make the numbers work, which was crucial to Apple’s success.
In contrast, many artists, writers, and creatives who have ignored the importance of financial management have found themselves struggling. Without the ability to manage their earnings, they often end up in financial distress, unable to sustain their careers or lifestyles.
In today’s world, financial success is not just about talent or skill in your chosen field; it’s about making informed decisions with the resources you have. This involves understanding investment opportunities, managing debt, and knowing the risks associated with any financial move. Mathematics equips you with the tools to evaluate these opportunities wisely.
In conclusion, whether you are an arts student, a writer, an actor, or a musician, mathematics is not just a subject you can ignore. It is an essential life skill that helps you make informed financial decisions. Understanding the math behind investments, business deals, and financial planning is crucial to safeguarding your future. Without it, you are likely to make costly mistakes that can jeopardize your career and well-being. So, embrace mathematics as your ally—not just in school but throughout your life. It’s the key to turning your passion into a sustainable and thriving career.