After having had difficult topics explained remarkably well by a few math teachers, I'm convinced that the "gentle introductions" you're talking about are meant

After having had difficult topics explained remarkably well by a few math teachers, I'm convinced that the "gentle introductions" you're talking about are meant to be confusing. Or perhaps, in some cases, they don't grasp the material as well as they let on. edit: For anyone who wants examples of good introductions, check out 3Blue1Brown's YouTube channel.