• But what exactly is X? What is it? (h/t Laura Deming’s post)


• Why must X be true? Why does this have to be the case? What is the single, fundamental reason?


• Do I really believe that this is true, deep down? Would I bet a large amount of money on it with a friend?

Mathematical intuition is so banal, simple, and stupid, that you need a lot of self-confidence not to throw it in the trash. When you’re no longer a child, you have only one wish, and that’s to reduce your false intuitions to silence. That’s what almost happened to me when I thought I had to get rid of my stupid ideas and parasitical thoughts.