This sounds like the common thread to me. Humans tend to become proficient at things they spend a large amount of time doing, especially if it is something that requires active participation and generates utils. One does not have to be forcibly immersed to gain new proficiencies so long as becoming more proficient is sufficiently useful that the benefits gained exceed the effort required, especially when the benefit is realized in the short term.
To become proficient in math and truly internalize it, you must be able to use it like language, i.e., as a tool to interact with or understand the universe in a way that aligns with your utility function. Much like many people don’t often find it useful to be fluent in Hungarian, many people don’t find it useful to be fluent in mathematics. It just isn’t high-value enough to devote the time to learning.
Being high value isn’t sufficient on its own though. There has to be the opportunity to learn and improve over time, ideally at the boundary of one’s comfort zone instead of entirely outside or wholly within. The ocean does not allow much opportunity to a non-swimmer. Life is the ultimate prerequisite to learning anything.
This sounds like the common thread to me. Humans tend to become proficient at things they spend a large amount of time doing, especially if it is something that requires active participation and generates utils. One does not have to be forcibly immersed to gain new proficiencies so long as becoming more proficient is sufficiently useful that the benefits gained exceed the effort required, especially when the benefit is realized in the short term.
To become proficient in math and truly internalize it, you must be able to use it like language, i.e., as a tool to interact with or understand the universe in a way that aligns with your utility function. Much like many people don’t often find it useful to be fluent in Hungarian, many people don’t find it useful to be fluent in mathematics. It just isn’t high-value enough to devote the time to learning.
Being high value isn’t sufficient on its own though. There has to be the opportunity to learn and improve over time, ideally at the boundary of one’s comfort zone instead of entirely outside or wholly within. The ocean does not allow much opportunity to a non-swimmer. Life is the ultimate prerequisite to learning anything.