Does not compute. If you would see me try to balance my checkbook, I should be downright euphoric. I think the little numbers I end up with some how balance it all out. I could probably figure out the ratio if I was better at math.

I guess it's just going after the "ignorance is bliss" angle.

Personally, I think education started going downhill when someone decided school and learning should be "fun." School and learning are a child's work, something they should be expected to do "just because," like bathing, brushing teeth, and participating in household chores.

I don't think the article says this, but I think the more you know, the more you realize you don't know, which could impact the confidence of students in countries who are better educated mathematically. Maybe they realize they don't know it all and that makes them unhappy.

I hate to say it, but I'm a closet math geek. SHHHHH! don't tell anyone :)

Then just hand over the Nobel Prize in Mathematics. I hate it, am not good at it, bank online so I don't have to balance my own checkbook...

talking from another country i'd say that we all look at how the others are doing and reckon we're the worst. My kids are good at maths, their books look more attractive than mine did but they still shed tears over their homework.