# Mathematical Thinking Isn’t What You Think It Is  ## Metadata - Author: [[Kelsey Houston-Edwards]] - Full Title: Mathematical Thinking Isn’t What You Think It Is - Category: #articles - Summary: David Bessis argues that everyone can improve their mathematical thinking by embracing intuition and questioning their understanding. He believes that math is not just about solving problems but also about a dialogue between instinct and logic. Bessis emphasizes that this approach can lead to personal growth and self-help, making math accessible to all. - URL: https://www.quantamagazine.org/mathematical-thinking-isnt-what-you-think-it-is-20241118/ ## Highlights - At its core, Bessis says, mathematics is a game of back-and-forth between intuition and logic, instinct and reason. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jd0bn3484s05hqcb9ssemycn)) - **So how can one get better at math?** Whenever you spot a disconnect between what your gut is telling you and what is supposed to be rational, it’s an important opportunity to understand something new. And then you can start this game of back-and-forth. Can you articulate your gut instinct and place it within a rational discussion? If there’s still a disconnect, can you visualize why? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jd0brrr227cf3rq5yaem3s21)) - Mathematicians have to be radically honest about what they don’t understand and what they think. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jd0bt3apj3cy9789asvgg4jb)) - When you do math, you’re exposed to the human thought process in a way that is really pure. It’s not just about understanding things, but about understanding things in a very childish, deep, naïve, super clear, obvious way. It’s very good training for creativity. It’s a scaffold for your imagination. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jd0btnrzahr476g9jbd3hbya))