Maths vs Physics? Telegram's Pavel Durov and Elon Musk weigh in on formula for success

The exchange between two of the most influential minds in technology swiftly captured attention across X.

In a reflective post that set off a debate on X (formerly Twitter), Telegram CEO Pavel Durov suggested that the key to building empires, managing multi-million-dollar projects, and navigating complex life challenges might not lie in creativity or charisma—but in mathematics.

Durov, often referred to as the "Mark Zuckerberg of Russia" and widely respected for his strong advocacy of privacy and decentralisation, shared his thoughts in a public message aimed particularly at students. His words struck a chord with many, including prominent tech figures, students, entrepreneurs—and even Elon Musk.

“If you're a student choosing what to focus on, pick mathematics,” Durov wrote. “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. That’s the core skill you’ll need to build companies and manage projects.”

If you’re a student choosing what to focus on, pick MATH. It will teach you to relentlessly rely on your own brain, think logically, break down problems, and solve them step by step in the right order. That’s the core skill you’ll need to build companies and manage projects.

— Pavel Durov (@durov) July 11, 2025

The post, though brief, read more like a philosophical statement than mere academic advice. It offered a pointed reminder of the intellectual discipline and mental resilience demanded by the subject, encouraging young learners to value structured, independent thinking over shortcuts.

Within moments, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk—himself a graduate in both physics and economics—responded with a single-word suggestion that deepened the discourse: “Physics (with math).”

Durov appeared to welcome the addition, replying with a succinct “+1,” and elaborating further in agreement. “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.”

The exchange between two of the most influential minds in technology swiftly captured attention across the platform, fuelling a debate that ranged far beyond STEM education. The conversation became a kind of intellectual Rorschach test, prompting users to examine their own values around knowledge, learning, and capability.

One user praised mathematics as the bedrock of all intellectual disciplines, declaring, “There is no physics without math, but there is math without physics.” Others argued in favour of engineering, calling it the more well-rounded and applied discipline that integrates both theoretical and practical thinking.

Some users responded with enthusiasm and nostalgia, sharing how mathematics had transformed their thinking. Others, however, expressed a sense of alienation, with one user writing, “I’m not strong in physics or math… does that mean I’m not capable of logical thinking?”