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I have been thinking that math is similar. Little substitutes for simply rote memorizing your basic multiplication tables to be able to multiply. You can remember the relationships between various concepts, and it helps to validate and update your memory, but in the end, it is pattern matching. Rote memorization helps you jump straight from A to B without needing the translation step of C in between.

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That's a good point. The question is, do you stop at 20*20, or do you continue memorizing products of larger and larger numbers? It's definitely the sort of thing where there's an optimum amount of memorization, past which you get diminishing returns.

I can't find the reference. But some time ago there was a post in HN about how different subjects require different strategies. It was written by a big shot AI or Math professor. Probably someone from MIT. I can't quite remember.

I want to read that. Do tell if it comes back to you.

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