Understanding mathematics is a nuanced process that goes beyond simply grasping the basics. Even seemingly simple mathematical ideas can be deeply understood and explored. The author’s realization of this came from reading an essay by mathematician Andrey Kolmogorov about the equals sign. It showed him that he could understand the equals sign on a much deeper level than he initially thought. This experience led to the understanding that mathematical understanding is open-ended and can always be deepened. The author then introduces a heuristic they developed using spaced-repetition memory systems, particularly the flashcard program Anki, to deepen their understanding of mathematics. This process involves multiple passes over the material, restating ideas in multiple ways, asking insightful questions, and distilling the proof to its core ideas. It is an ongoing and iterative process that helps build a deep and intuitive understanding of mathematical concepts.
https://cognitivemedium.com/srs-mathematics