What if the secret to building empires, managing million-dollar projects, and navigating life’s toughest problems lies not in charisma or creativity, but in something far more ancient and exact—mathematics? That’s the argument Telegram CEO Pavel Durov recently made in a reflective post on X (formerly Twitter), triggering a wave of reactions from students, entrepreneurs, and even Elon Musk himself.
Durov, often called the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia” and known for his principled stance on privacy and decentralisation, shared what might appear to be a simple piece of advice but carried a punch of insight for those still at the crossroads of their academic journey.
“If you're a student choosing what to focus on, pick mathematics. It will teach you to rely on your own brain, think logically, break down problems, and solve them step by step in the right order,” he wrote. “That’s the core skill you’ll need to build companies and manage projects.”
The post read less like tech advice and more like a life philosophy—a call to cultivate a mindset that’s not only methodical but resilient and fiercely independent.
When Musk Steps In, the Plot Thickens
Moments after the post, Elon Musk—who himself studied physics and economics—chimed in with a single-word suggestion: “Physics (with math).” The two words added fuel to the fire. Was Musk challenging Durov? Or refining the idea further?
Durov was quick to agree, replying with a “+1” and extending the scope of his original thought. “If you're already strong in math, it's worth exploring physics and computer science — both are excellent ways to apply math in the real world, sharpen your logical and critical thinking + solve important problems.”
It wasn’t a debate in the traditional sense—rather, a layered conversation between two of the world’s most influential tech minds, each offering their vision of what prepares someone for the world ahead.
Netizens Weigh In—With Equations and Emotions
Naturally, the post triggered strong emotions across the platform. Some hailed math as the mother of all sciences, one even proclaiming, “There is no physics without math, but there is math without physics.”
Others leaned towards engineering as the more holistic, applied route. And then there were those who felt caught in the crossfire—like one user who lamented, “I’m not strong in physics or math… does that mean I’m not capable of logical thinking?”
While the Durov-Musk exchange revolved around math and physics, the ripple effect brought out broader truths. Success, it seems, is not just about mastering numbers or formulas—it’s also about understanding how to think.
In a world chasing shortcuts, Durov and Musk are subtly asking the next generation to return to the fundamentals—to a subject that doesn’t just solve problems, but teaches you how to approach them.
Durov, often called the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia” and known for his principled stance on privacy and decentralisation, shared what might appear to be a simple piece of advice but carried a punch of insight for those still at the crossroads of their academic journey.
“If you're a student choosing what to focus on, pick mathematics. It will teach you to rely on your own brain, think logically, break down problems, and solve them step by step in the right order,” he wrote. “That’s the core skill you’ll need to build companies and manage projects.”
The post read less like tech advice and more like a life philosophy—a call to cultivate a mindset that’s not only methodical but resilient and fiercely independent.
Physics (with math)
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 11, 2025
When Musk Steps In, the Plot Thickens
Moments after the post, Elon Musk—who himself studied physics and economics—chimed in with a single-word suggestion: “Physics (with math).” The two words added fuel to the fire. Was Musk challenging Durov? Or refining the idea further?
Durov was quick to agree, replying with a “+1” and extending the scope of his original thought. “If you're already strong in math, it's worth exploring physics and computer science — both are excellent ways to apply math in the real world, sharpen your logical and critical thinking + solve important problems.”
It wasn’t a debate in the traditional sense—rather, a layered conversation between two of the world’s most influential tech minds, each offering their vision of what prepares someone for the world ahead.
+1. If you're already strong in math, it's worth exploring physics and computer science — both are excellent ways to apply math in the real world, sharpen your logical and critical thinking + solve important problems.
— Pavel Durov (@durov) July 11, 2025
Netizens Weigh In—With Equations and Emotions
Naturally, the post triggered strong emotions across the platform. Some hailed math as the mother of all sciences, one even proclaiming, “There is no physics without math, but there is math without physics.”
Others leaned towards engineering as the more holistic, applied route. And then there were those who felt caught in the crossfire—like one user who lamented, “I’m not strong in physics or math… does that mean I’m not capable of logical thinking?”
While the Durov-Musk exchange revolved around math and physics, the ripple effect brought out broader truths. Success, it seems, is not just about mastering numbers or formulas—it’s also about understanding how to think.
In a world chasing shortcuts, Durov and Musk are subtly asking the next generation to return to the fundamentals—to a subject that doesn’t just solve problems, but teaches you how to approach them.
You may also like
UAE Vice-President seen playing Volleyball with residents at Abu Dhabi summer sports event
easyJet passengers can skip bag drop entirely at 1 UK airport
Prague Airport terminal 'closed' amid 'possible presence of explosive'
Escape To The Chateau fans were never shown part of Dick and Angel's estate
What problems are caused by increased uric acid? You will be surprised to know.
