I really enjoyed this conversation with Gilbert. Here's the outline: 0:00 - Introduction 3:45 - Math rockstar 5:10 - MIT OpenCourseWare 7:29 - Four Fundamental Subspaces of Linear Algebra 13:11 - Linear Algebra vs Calculus 15:03 - Singular value decomposition 19:47 - Why people like math 23:38 - Teaching by example 25:04 - Andrew Yang 26:46 - Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics 29:21 - Deep learning 37:28 - Theory vs application 38:54 - Open problems in mathematics 39:00 - Linear algebra as a subfield of mathematics 41:52 - Favorite matrix 46:19 - Advice for students on their journey through math 47:37 - Looking back

I remember emailing Dr strang after I self studied calc 2 for the AP test and passed using his material. He sent me a congratulations back, and that meant the world to me.

Gilbert Strang single handedly made Linear Algebra my favorite branch of math. I have a signed copy of his textbook that I will keep until the day I die.

Lex had a distinct smile on his face during the entire conversation. This was much more than just a interview for him, you can see the pride of just being in the same room with Gilbert in his eyes. This was beautiful.

All hail. You have to love him. For those interested in academic lineage and apostolic succession - Gilbert Strang’s advisor was Peter Henrici, whose advisor was Eduard L. Stiefel, whose advisor was Heinz Hopf , whose advisor was Erhard Schmidt , whose advisor was David Hilbert, whose advisor was Carl Louis Ferdinand von Lindemann , whose advisor was Christian Felix Klein , whose advisor was Julius Plücker , whose advisor was Christian Ludwig Gerling , whose advisor was Carl Friedrich Gauss.

A humble person. " I am here to teach you math not to grade you "

Strang is one of my academic heroes. I started to take Andrew Ng's Machine Learning course on Coursera and Ng said "you don't need much linear algebra to understand this..." but not very far into the course he started talking about matrices, inverses, transpose of a matrix, etc. and I realized that I needed at least some linear algebra so I took Strang's online course at MIT. I very highly recommend Strang's course. It's one of the best online courses I've ever taken. I ended up taking the entire course even though I realized after about the first 3-5 that I had all the linear algebra I needed to go back to Ng's course. I also thought it was humorous that one of the things Ng says early in the ML course is something like: "you don't need the kind of theoretical math that people have who look at proofs and think they are beautiful" I thought "but, but,.. I do that!" Strang's course was definitely the kind of course where you see the incredible elegance and IMO beauty of a mathematical discipline. In fact, I've had different reactions from different people that I point to Strang's course. People who love math like me (even though I'm not very good at it) and love not just using it but understanding things at an abstract theoretical level love Strang's course. Engineering types (not that there's anything wrong with that, I earned most of my living as a software engineer) who just want to know the formulas and how to use them tend not to like his course. One of the things I loved about Strang's course was the way he started it. As simple as possible giving the most basic idea of solving two linear equations by finding the point in 2D space where they intersect, then expanding it for 3 dimensions (the line where two planes intersect) and then for n dimensions. Sounds trivial but that kind of basic grounding was what I had missed from other books I attempted on the topic and it made everything going forward so much more understandable. I also love his Socratic method of teaching where he pauses in the middle of a derivation or solving a problem to ask the class what the next step is, he really keeps you engaged that way.

Makes me sad to see him getting old - he's a good guy. I love him!

This man helped me so much in high school calculus, he is so incredible found my self looking for more stuff he taught even if I didnt need it.

Woah! I never expected or even imagined that Gilbert Strang will ever be a part of this Podcast series! Amazing job!

Best update for a Monday. Thank you for interviewing Gilbert Strang.

Gilbert Strang is one of the most influential teachers in my life. Hands down. Thank you, Gilbert for being so inspirational.

I really love the simplicity with which Lex is always approaching complex topics - be it deep learning, philosophy, or engineering as a whole. This makes your interviews always a joy to watch. Thanks for having Prof. Strang in this podcast!

I took his class online a few years ago, when I started my journey in A.I.. I’m so glad to see him in your channel!

One of the best maths professors. His OCW courses really helped me visualize concepts instead of just solving the problems.

When I was in undergrad, I was starting to hate math until saw his course. It was everything I needed to recall the true beauty of math. Thanks Lex for interviewing one of my heroes.

Gilbert Strang gave the first series of videos of mathematics (specifically Linear Algebra) on KZfaq for his class on MIT in 2000. I remember thinking I was blessed with these videos since they come directly from the colleges that I would dream about applying one day for my PhD. These videos shaped my perspective inside the connections that were being discuss inside his classroom and gave me a sense of connection with the audience. As if I was part of MIT students, I was equal to their intelligence because I was able to answer the questions correctly when he would ask them live. So I submerge myself and not surprisingly, it has been the core of my work with Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence. What a beautiful podcast to watch, thank you Lex Fridman​.

Now please interview 3Blue1Brown, my another hero from Mathematics.

Oh yes, he made definitely a connection - I wish I had known his lectures during my studies. - And yes, - telling someone for the first time about an important concept is magic!

This is the best episode of your podcast. All your guests are very smart people but when the person has such clarity of thought and command over their answers as Gilbert Strang it's just magical simply listening to them speak. Kind of like listening to Richard Feynman speak. Beautiful talk, thanks for this Lex Fridman.

Prof Strang's lectures on SVD were awesome. That wasn't taught when I did my undergrad linear algegba ('92), and it wasn't in any of my old texts. After listening to his SVD lectures, I was so impressed, that I went back and listened to the rest of the course from scratch.

The humbleness of prof. Strang is astonishing. What a great man! Thank you for that interview!

THANK YOU for bringing Gilbert on. What a score!! The visuals I got from his descriptions of linear algebra always gave me chills.

Thank you, Dr. Strang. I was blessed to have several wonderful math teachers and mentors during my PhD in Mathematics.. You have left a beautiful impact that will influence several future generations. Thank you, Most Respectfully,

Lex is all smiles and happiness. There is something special about gilbert that lex exuded. Loved both of them in the conversation

Really appreciate Mr Fridman, the questions are wonderful and the order of them is perfectly organized. We can see that prof Strang really enjoyed the interview.

THAT is awsome ! Remind me of how good and enyoyably positive his Linear Algebra MIT course is.

Well, I would say one of the best talks in this podcast. I am standing in this position as a researcher because of Gilbert Strang and Sal Khan like teachers because I never took calculus, Linear algebra even the statistics while schooling and if there is no mathematical foundation then no Machine learning. Before I used to think like I am kind of unlucky person because I missed the 1990's time period when the internet was booming, If I was studying at that time I would be doing great. But now I am feeling like this is the real golden time period ever in history because of the Artificial intelligence machines, robots, computers are getting vision and becoming more intelligent. And you guys are helping a lot to shape this community. Thank you and keep going... Hope next time you will bring Sal Khan.

Another homerun Lex, you have a knack for asking very thought provoking and interesting questions

Such a down to earth, humble man..... that's because all his wisdom , philosophy he carried out over the years. wonderful to hear him always.... Cheers

Lex you look connected to him as everyone of us connected to a loving competent teacher who opened awesome paths in our lives through his/her teachings. It is beautiful to meet and debate with your teacher who one day gave you something valuable. An awesome discussion. Thanks Lex!

This guy is awesome. I watched his entire linear class the summer before I took it last fall. Amazing concepts. I loved that class. It really made me understand that I don't need to visualize something to describe it.

This has made me excited to encounter linear algebra in my studies. I'll make sure to start watching his lectures as well. :) Thanks for the interview.

You never stop to amaze us Lex!!! with the guests you invite to your Podcast!!! Thanks a ton!!! :) And everyone's been waiting for the Geoffrey Hinton Podcast!

Gilbert strang , My Hero too.

Started the Linear Algebra course back in 1806. Over 200-years of teaching under his belt, just incredible

Gilbert Strang gave one of my favorite math quotes in the 3rd edition of his linear algebra book (he took it out in later revisions and I don't know why): "the contribution of mathematics, and of people, is not computation but intelligence.". That line made me feel so much better about all the careless mistakes I made solving the problems in his book and I'll never forget the picture of subspaces and transformations that he provided! Love to you Gilbert Strang!

Every time I think this is last time I am being surprised by his choice of guest, I am proved wrong. Kudos to you and your guests!

I absolutely Love love love Gilbert Strang! He is So Inspiring! He is my favorite American math professor! In Russia you start learning linear algebra at school very early. I learned it first at math-physics school #2 in Moscow, then at mech-mat MGU Moscow State Un. And loved it. Then I was teaching it all my life. And then I rediscovered it again with Gilbert Strang - it was So Beautiful and brilliant! I love the way he talks about it. Absolute genius! Great teacher! Thank You Lex for this interview. Please do it again. Spasibo.

Prof. Gilbert Strang's lectures are not only for students but for math teachers and professional mathematicians. He has very deep insights. I can tell you this as a math prof myself. He is a hero for me too.

Prof. Strang has a Linear Algebra book I studied thoroughly, just because I heard that he said if students around the world can find an error in the book and send it to him, he would send the student an MIT keychain and a sweatshirt. I couldn't find any mistakes, but I passed the class with 9/10. He's a great teacher.

Gilbert Strang really helped me understand what’s going on with his textbook and lecture videos while taking a class on Linear Algebra! His passion and calming voice made the subject enjoyable and educational at the same time. I hope to spread knowledge and improve the world like he does in my lifetime.

Mr. Strang is true love. He makes it so much fun to listen to him that I eagerly wait for his class to begin.

Thank you Prof. Strang for such beautiful insights in Linear Algebra!

Such an immersive conversation! Really loved the energy of Gilbert!

I had a big smile on my face watching this. Prof. Strang is a great teacher

I first time on youtube I liked someone promoting a sponsor. I have worked with Middle School First teams for past few years. Good to know that there are more who care about increasing STEM education among children. Thanks Lex!!!!

I just saw this!!!! I just love this man... I did not realize that you had him on your interview series!!!!! Wooo Hooo Lex! You just keep getting more awesome the more I learn about you my good man!!!!! Gilbert Strang is one of my favorites of all time..

Dr Strang, thank you for all that you have done for all of us.

these are the gems that make American education so unique and wonderful. And above all providing the world free lectures from a top university. Knowledge giving is a service to humanity that no amount of monetary charity can match. God bless Gilbert Strang and so many others who continue to give... it was truly a bold decision for MIT to give away this valuable 'product' for free.

I guess I need to start listening all the way through more often, that quote at end was so spot on. Love Prof Strang. I took LA in mid 80's and my Prof used topreach the column space and until I came across Gilbert never fully appreciated it

Prof. Strang may God bless you with good health you are such a blessing for students worldwide.

Owe Gilbert Strang so much, 10 years ago i had to drop Linear Algebra. The textbook was unreadable and my professor's poor teaching and language skills made the abstract subject matter even worse. I genuinely believed I was incapable of understanding the material and switched from chem to biochem to avoid the course. Returning to school for a comp sci degree this summer with the same professor still teaching, Strang's lectures/textbook have carried me through to being an A student in the course. The 5th edition of his intro to lin algebra book brings so much clarity and the questions explore the broader implications of the introduced topics so well. Dr. Strang is an absolute gift to this world.

I received my MS in Electrical Engineering in 1984. I spent half of my coursework in Mathematics and took two semesters of Linear Algebra. We used the first edition of Strang's book. I worked almost every problem in that book (I couldn't do 10% of the problems). I still have that book on my shelf. I always considered the eigenvalue equation Ax=Lambda x as one of the most interesting equations in all mathematics. And it is so important for example when solving systems of differential equations. Thanks, Gilbert!

Oh my god! Lex I love you. Interviewing Gilbert Strang is just an amazing choice. That man made me understand Linear Algebra. He is absolutely brilliant. Thanks for sharing!

You were my favourite prof i watched during my undergrad Linear Algebra.. so elegant, especially the fundamental idea of 4 subspaces.

I love him so much. Thanks for reminding everyone every time, the simple joys of basic math.

It was my favorite ever talk . What a gentleman this HOST is . What a sweetheart this Professor is . Greetings from China 🇨🇳 . I loved this podcast

Gilbert is a great teacher! Thank you Lex for the interview, it was nice to hear.

84 freaking years and such passion, damn!

Used Strang's Intro to Linear Algebra text in college in 2000. One of the best text books I've studies.

Delighted in all 10-dimensions

It's always a pleasure to see Dr Gilbert Strang.

Thank you both for this incredibly interesting discussion. I really like Gilbert Strang , he’s a superstar in so many ways. I’m starting to watch his lectures and enjoying them immensely , he’s calm , confident and poised. Thank you both for sharing your conversation.

I love this so much. Awesome work. Thank you for making this content accessible.

Gilbert Strang strikes me as a teacher I would have loved to learn from. I certainly learnt some new knowledge in the last forty minutes or so, thanks.

Lex, I love that you asked him about the lack of math-literate representatives in Congress. That's such a rare question to pose but so important. I'm sure you're aware that it's one of Andrew Yang's talking points as well--he wants to introduce a neutral "Congressional technology office" to supply them with much needed expertise. And I just want to plug my favored solution to this problem which is almost never talked about and which solves many other problems at the same time: if we augmented the Senate with 50 additional seats that were not elected but chosen via sortition then statistically we are likely to get several engineers/mathematicians in office which would make a huge difference in the some of the Senate committees (and it would guarantee a working class voting bloc in the Senate which truly does not exist at the present moment).

Thank you Lex for bringing such inspiring and interesting people on the podcast!

Thank you for everything professor Gilbert! I really love your Linear algebra class! :D

Gilbert is one of my favourite gentlemen.....I watch his videos and have some of his books, and I have more in my wishlist which I am getting v. soon.....I studied maths at UWA as a 40yr old, and took LA, but got a bit lost. Professor Gilbert has ignited something within me, and helped me see some things I missed 1st time around. Thank you Sir, for everything.....

Well that intro was a rather glowing recommendation for his course... I might have to check that out.

You are the man! These professor talks are just amazing!

Cool guys! Thansk for the wonderful interview @gilbert strand & @ Lex Fridman.

Good questions. Great guest! This was a very enjoyable episode!

People, here is something wholesome to know: Professor Gilbert is very humble and kind. I once sent him an email, without any expectation to receive a reply from him. I just said his videos were very helpful and that I loved that I had the opportunity to learn so much, and I thanked him. A couple of days later he took his busy time to reply. What a wonderful person! I wish him well and I am grateful for what he taught me!

I’ll try out the sponsors for sure. Thank you again big dog

So greatful for his work! Was a huge help with my undergraduate courses..

Thank you, Lex. I am a fan of Gilbert. It was a treat to watch.

This is the most beautiful video you have upload so far !!!

In my undergrad years I stuck in Linear Algebra. Stumbled upon his lectures on MIT open courseware and watched all of them. Fond memories!

What a delightful man!

There's beauty and harmony in his teaching as is in this interview...!

Humble, down to earth, great professor of mathematics linear algebra.

What a humble person. Absolutely great questions as well! Lovely!

Strang! My hero!

I don't thank Prof Strang enough... His open course of MIT legit got me through undergrad and grad... just insane level of explanation with such a depth and understanding... his textbook also very good study materials

Such a wonderful teacher. In two weeks he taught me enough about linear algebra to last a lifetime in computer graphics. He turned rotations in 3d space into things. That you can manipulate and work with as long as you follow a few simple rules. No longer this convoluted mess of sin and cos that makes your brain hurt. All online for free. Thank you so much.

I watched his lectures. I love this guy

What a nice guy. If every teacher were like him, what a difference it would make to student motivation and persistence.

It is an honour to watch this series.

Thank you so much Gilbert and Lex. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Gilbert Strang , such a great and inspiring teacher,. And Lex you are a wonderful conversationalist,I enjoyed every minute of the interview and also had a takeaway from it.

Thank you so much for such an amazing guest.

Awesome video. Thanks. And there was a philosophical part at the end.

I love that you brought up Yang! Awesome crossover appeal for me.

This man taught me linear algebra! Amazing lectures

This man's lectures saved my first university math course as I was on my way to fail, but then I made an epic comeback after I started skipping the course in order to watch the MIT courses online instead x)

Dream come true for me to see this

I adore Gil Strang 😍😍😍 I too fell for linear algebra through his amazing lectures.

The way Gilbert Strang talks is an innocence like a baby. I can see that he is very warm and kind.