It is very easy to get most mathematics textbooks online, through slightly unsavoury means. It is far more difficult to figure out which textbooks are worth reading---this is a process that requires trial and error, and browsing through recommendations (math.stackexchange and mathoverflow.net have many good textbook recommendation questions, with many excellent answers).
Also, it is very easy to audit courses at universities! Get out there, ask the professor if you can audit the courses (make friends with them too!), and enjoy yourself a stress-free, and money-free, quality education.
Though, between price fixing and booksellers going under and not being able to guarantee that you will retain access to the books you bought, I'd say that this form of piracy is morally ambiguous.
Comments
It is very easy to get most mathematics textbooks online, through slightly unsavoury means. It is far more difficult to figure out which textbooks are worth reading---this is a process that requires trial and error, and browsing through recommendations (math.stackexchange and mathoverflow.net have many good textbook recommendation questions, with many excellent answers).
Also, it is very easy to audit courses at universities! Get out there, ask the professor if you can audit the courses (make friends with them too!), and enjoy yourself a stress-free, and money-free, quality education.
"Unsavoury", as in?
Piracy.
Though, between price fixing and booksellers going under and not being able to guarantee that you will retain access to the books you bought, I'd say that this form of piracy is morally ambiguous.