I don't think the divide is as big as it seems. I'm in the algebra world (algebraic geometry to be precise) and there are so many applications to physics (even though I'm not a big fan of physics either). What I'm researching relates in part to Mirror Symmetry, which is a massive project at the intersection of algebra and physics. representation theory and lie groups are also areas of algebra used a lot in physics
the other thing i'll say is that the more analysis intuition you can get as an undergrad, the better. modern algebra since the 60s uses a huge number of homological methods, which have their basis in algebraic topology. undergraduate analysis and differential geometry (very useful for physics) can help a lot in understanding this stuff.
while it does suck, getting corralled into studying an area your less interested in as an undergrad is extremely common. it happened to me and many of my fellow grad students. it's a lot easier to research what you're actually interested in once you get to grad school
I feel you. But try to look on the bright side. You will learn things you would have avoided your whole career. At best, you will start to like it the more you dive into it. At worst, your area of interest will not change, but your head will be filled with unusual concepts that you can use when you go back to algebra.
As for the man-machine part: It is not silly, but I would like you to discard this image of yourself. It implies that you ignore your feelings, but they are an integral part of every human being. This sounds like a thing that can escalate into burnout over time. Take care.
I don't think the divide is as big as it seems. I'm in the algebra world (algebraic geometry to be precise) and there are so many applications to physics (even though I'm not a big fan of physics either). What I'm researching relates in part to Mirror Symmetry, which is a massive project at the intersection of algebra and physics. representation theory and lie groups are also areas of algebra used a lot in physics
the other thing i'll say is that the more analysis intuition you can get as an undergrad, the better. modern algebra since the 60s uses a huge number of homological methods, which have their basis in algebraic topology. undergraduate analysis and differential geometry (very useful for physics) can help a lot in understanding this stuff.
while it does suck, getting corralled into studying an area your less interested in as an undergrad is extremely common. it happened to me and many of my fellow grad students. it's a lot easier to research what you're actually interested in once you get to grad school
I feel you. But try to look on the bright side. You will learn things you would have avoided your whole career. At best, you will start to like it the more you dive into it. At worst, your area of interest will not change, but your head will be filled with unusual concepts that you can use when you go back to algebra.
As for the man-machine part: It is not silly, but I would like you to discard this image of yourself. It implies that you ignore your feelings, but they are an integral part of every human being. This sounds like a thing that can escalate into burnout over time. Take care.