I have explained the Pythagorean Theorem to many people. It is part of an explanation that I give that simple does not mean easy. Math is simple in a way that w

I have explained the Pythagorean Theorem to many people. It is part of an explanation that I give that simple does not mean easy. Math is simple in a way that we are not wired for. And so a key to not being frustrated is to realize that there is nothing wrong with us that we sometimes struggle to understand simple things. As part of it, I show how simple the Pythagorean theorem is to prove. The same proof as https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/43500/43501/pythag3_43501.htm https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/43500/43501/pythag3_43501.htm. It can literally be drawn on the napkin. You start with two squares of size a+b. You cut one into a square of size a, a square of size b, and 4 right-angled triangles a-b-c. You cut the other into 4 right angled triangles and a square of size c. When you eliminate the triangles (that have equal area), we're left with a^2 + b^2 = c^2. The point being that it can be very hard to come up with such a simple thing. And it can sometimes take a while to truly accept it. Because we messy humans are wired for certain kinds of complex - like recognizing voices - and not for always getting simple right.