> Put another way: math isn't really about memorization, either of behavior patterns or of facts. I mean, on the surface level that's true. But obviously we co

> Put another way: math isn't really about memorization, either of behavior patterns or of facts. I mean, on the surface level that's true. But obviously we could reductio ad absurdum this claim - would a mathematician be able to work if they lost all their memories every day? Clearly not! It's something of a matter of how good is your memory, plus how actively you use it. How many people who complete PHDs can still prove the PHD 10 years later? Not many. Which is not to say that you can or should use Anki to learn something as complicated as a PHD dissertation, that clearly won't work. But when learning a new topic, it's a very helpful tool, and it makes sure that even if you now focus only on linear algebra, you'll still recall at least the basics of, say, set theory, which most mathematicians who don't actively study probably don't use much. > It's nothing like what higher mathematics demands, which is much less about rote memorization and much more about deep understanding of the intricate interconnections between a comparatively small number of concepts. Well Anki certainly won't help you actually do higher math :) But I find it is surprisingly good at making these weird connections, because in the middle of learning say modern algebra, you'll suddenly need to recall things from linear algebra, and suddenly see interesting new connections. Or things from real analysis, which will make you go "hmmm, so that's why a field is defined this way" or something.