A mathematician was exploring a proof, and was shown that the avenue of inquiry they were making could not possible lead where they wanted to go. As a consequen

A mathematician was exploring a proof, and was shown that the avenue of inquiry they were making could not possible lead where they wanted to go. As a consequence they stopped investigating that path and potentially, as they were shown why that path was invalid, can see possible ways around the problem. Perhaps the most effective thing a person can spend their time on is pointing people along paths likely to lead to success, and guiding them away from dead ends.