Official math can be found in textbooks, where it is presented in a logical and structured manner, in an esoteric language that relies on indecipherable symbols. Secret math, also known as mathematical intuition, can be found in the heads of mathematicians. It consists of mental representations and abstract sensations, often visual, that are for

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Mathematicians don’t have this option and it’s a huge problem for them. In their minds, the ideas are luminous, simple, and powerful. On paper, they become stunted and sad. The mathematicians’ curse is that they can only play math in their own heads. If you taught children music by giving them the written scores for Mozart or Michael Jackson to

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Our Ordinary Intuition As long as schools refuse to teach the human reality of mathematics, all mathematicians will be self-taught. Saying that math is a matter of intuition isn’t enough. You also have to explain that this intuition is accessible and describe the ways that you can develop it. Nothing is more intimidating than the myth that

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