Why isn't everyone enjoying mathematics?

The question:

How do you make mathematics more "living" and "exciting" for the students?

The answer I came up with:

I think that you just have to have that attitude towards mathematics from
the start. The beauty and wealth of mathematics is revealed when you learn
new things, make new connections and expand your knowledge.
The beauty is hidden from those who doesn't have the desire to learn more.
One could even say: "mathematics wouldn't be fun if it was easy". (Well that
might be a little hard on those that struggles with mathematics)

Hard work (done by YOU) and a teacher that is really into mathematics is the
best way to make it a pleasure!

One often hear that mathematics should be more applicable in "real life". To
some extent I agree, that would make it obvious that math can really be
used in real life, but I don't think that can make it "living" or
"exciting". If it should be "real-life mathematics" we would be stepping
back to the age of the numerical recepies, i.e. the time before Euclides
Elements and logical deduction.


My question to you:

Are there better ways of making mathematics fun than telling them that
"either you like it or you have 12 long boring years in front of you"?
Feel free to comment on my answer.
.

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