>see a proof
>work through the proof step by step with a pen and paper to understand it
>hours later, get in bed, close eyes, see the proof in my mind's eye and go through it line by line in amazement
>a few days later, come back to the theorem to try to prove it myself
>can't fucking doing it
WHAT is wrong with my brain? How do I fix this? I've worked through Hammack's Book of Proof from cover to cover. I can easily prove "baby proofs" or the types of things you're asked to prove when you first learn proof writing during year 1 of university like basic number theory stuff, linear algebra stuff, set theory proofs, and so on. But when it comes to actual big boy mathematics, I shit myself. Should I make flashcards to memorize definitions and theorems?

When you finish with the proof, write down the ideas that were used and think about those. Its easier and more general than trying to remember the precise steps needed.

You need to analyze what you lack. Compare your attempt to the solution.
1. Did you forget something?
2. Did you misunderstand something?
3. Did you not know something?
I’m sure someone can come up with a better set of self-assessment questions.
Take note of what you miss. Like physically in a blank notebook. Refer to it when you attempt problems in the future. You’ll slowly see what the fuck is wrong with you.

Lacking “mathematical maturity” is just an excuse imo. As with everything else, it comes down to talent and experience (mileage). You underestimate the number of problems you should solve to do well in math courses, especially if you’re not that gifted.

Anyways, most people are just too retarded to do math. It’s better to admit that early.

>>16728342 (OP)
id recommend working on memory
>you mean rote repetition?
no, recollection

>>16728342 (OP)
I know a similar effect.

When I read something about math, I usually don't get it. If I come back to it later, I immediately get the impression that I understand more.

>>16728342 (OP)
3 knights ≈ 2 bishops

>>16728342 (OP)
>see proof
>fail to understand it
>go through it line by line
>still don't get it
>go to bed
>lie in bed dreading the proof you don't understand
>go back to proof
>still don't get it
>insist you got it at some point of not getting it
Logic.

>>16730719
Proof that this is what OP does?

>>16728342 (OP)
Did you try thinking?

>>16728342 (OP)
watch a video about it because learning through different mediums helps gel the concept since you are recruiting from a larger pool of neurons in your brain

>>16728342 (OP)
seems like a skill issue

>>16730953
yeah, the fact he copied it line by line thinking that meant he understood it kek

>>16731070
This.

First do the proof by your
own, if stuck then you missed the concept in the lecture. Once your proof done then check the textbook and see which proof is better. (You will see another path maybe faster or slower, general or taylored)