What if mathematics education were about more than solving problems or passing tests? What if it were part of helping people live fuller, richer lives?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Francis Su about his book Mathematics for Human Flourishing and the deeper purposes of learning (and teaching) mathematics. Drawing on philosophy, lived experience, and years of teaching mathematics, Francis invites us to see math as a discipline that cultivates curiosity, creativity, perseverance, hope, and ultimately love.

We explore how mathematics can nurture these virtues that support human growth, why belonging matters in mathematics classrooms, and how teachers can help students experience math as meaningful rather than merely procedural.

If you care about the teaching and learning of mathematics in ways that honor both intellectual rigor and human dignity, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Plus, the Physical Media of the episode, Fargo.

Enjoy!

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Dr. Francis Su personal website

Soni, S., & Harbin, A. (2026). Barn Quilts Ethnomodeling Task. Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12, 119(1), 16-20. Retrieved Mar 10, 2026, from https://doi.org/10.5951/MTLT.2025.0012

Grosser-Clarkson. (February, 2022). Bringing Humanity to the Forefront in our Mathematics Courses: Incorporating Mathematics for Human Flourishing. Presentation at annual conference of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators. Las Vegas, NV. (Link to Slides in Google Drive)

NCSM and NCTM 2021: Minimizing Shame, Productive Struggle, and Fostering Doers of Mathematics