A sketch

I did not expect a pencil sketch of a hand to explain anything about how I learn number theory, but looking at this drawing again, the analogy is almost too accurate.

When I draw, I never start with the details. I start by blocking in the large forms: the angle of the palm, the direction of the fingers, the overall gesture. Only when that structure feels correct do I move inward and work on the internal planes, the shading, and the tendons. The finished drawing looks detailed, but those details only work because the underlying structure was stable.

This is exactly how I’ve been approaching number theory without realizing it.

 Also, I'm double jointed so some of the hand poses might seem a bit contrived.