Perhaps the reason most people don't think memorization is important is because they don't realize they already did it through practice outside of school. Usual

Perhaps the reason most people don't think memorization is important is because they don't realize they already did it through practice outside of school. Usually (if you will), the kids who are more successful in math and science during K-12 education and who pursue STEM in university are the ones exposed to more math early-on ...and often. Having a parent with those skills to help you - even if only ten mins a night after school - is a huge difference-maker. Those who succeed may not realize the advantage those extra ten or so minutes a day over 6 to 12 years have given them over the peers, whose parents were math illiterate and, therefore, ignorate of the process of accumulated study.