You are not dumb, you just lack the prerequisites (lelouch.dev)

Article summary

The article discusses how the author, who previously thought they were not smart enough for math, realized that their struggles were due to a lack of prerequisite knowledge. They decided to rebuild their math skills from the ground up, revisiting basics and practicing consistently. This approach helped them make progress and understand that their limitations were not due to a lack of ability, but rather a gap in foundational knowledge. The author encourages others to take a similar approach, emphasizing that with the right foundation, anyone can learn complex subjects like math.

Main themes

• Learning math
• Prerequisite knowledge
• Foundational skills
• Personal growth
• Education approach

What commenters say

• Some people struggle with learning due to a lack of prerequisite knowledge, rather than a lack of intelligence or ability.
• A bottom-up approach to learning, starting with foundational concepts, can be more effective than a top-down approach for complex subjects like math.
• Having a high-level overview of a subject can be helpful, but it is not a substitute for mastering the underlying foundational knowledge.
• Motivation and access to resources, rather than just intelligence, can play a significant role in determining one's ability to learn and succeed.
• Some argue that a top-down approach can be effective for learning, especially for those with higher IQs, while others disagree and advocate for a more structured approach.
• The concept of 'mathematical maturity' is real, and some courses or subjects require a certain level of problem-solving skill and abstraction that takes time to develop.
• Socio-economic factors, such as poverty and access to resources, can impact one's ability to learn and form relationships, particularly during formative years like middle school.
• While intelligence can play a role in learning, it is not the only factor, and other elements like motivation, resources, and foundational knowledge are equally important.