I am currently studying Calculus on my own for fun. I enjoy different components of math and how they can be used to solve so many problems.
Many people, however, think I am crazy because I am studying mathematics in my spare time. Many people ask me "how will this ever be useful?" and many times I cannot think of an answer. Often, people do not understand the significance of certain things in math.
For example, I would explain to someone how the Gamma function is like an extension of the factorial. The usual response is "Okay, how is that useful?" When I attempt to explain, I then need to go into many other details about other concepts.
What are some basic uses for Calculus and its functions? I know that this is really vague, but I was hoping someone may help.