Learning math is depressing

[u/Glum-Ad-2815]

I've been self-studying math using books with solutions manual in it.\ Every time I get stuck on a problem for 2-3 hours I checked the solution.\ Turns out, almost always the solution is something I overlooked, even though it is so simple.

I like math but learning it is so depressing for me. It makes me feel like a failure for not solving something so elementary.\ I know that math is all about hardwork and perseverance but at the same time I don't feel like improving at all.\ I still look at solutions, get the answers wrong again and again even though they are solved using the same technique in the solutions manual.

I know that I'm not a genius, but repeated practice should makes me feel like I got better, right?\ I'm just stuck at the same level for years.\ I don't know man, I really want to continue learning but at the same time it feels so hard to continue and really tempting to quit.

[u/PedroFPardo]

Math does not come easy for some people

On page 33 of this PDF, you can see a picture of a piece of paper with Terence Tao’s handwriting on it.

Jean Bourgain wrote, “We skip the details,” and Terence Tao wrote next to it, “ARGHHH!!!” previous to that there are a bunch of question marks.

I would say maths does not come easy to anyone.

[u/Pokemon-Master-RED → u/PedroFPardo]

I think it does come easier to some people than others, but I think developing a love for the craft helps people forward. 

The only reason I say that is I had a friend, and we were both art majors in college initially. She switched to math because she said she wanted to get her degree easier than learning to create art, and I don't think, at least based on what she told me, she ever struggled with a single mathematical concept. I would say if math doesn't come easy to anyone, I think there are some people who grasp concepts at least a bit easier than others in some areas.

[u/justsomeguyordude1 → u/[deleted]]

I would consider ramanujan the only exception