An education in the art of mathematics is all about discovery. It means solving a problem that speaks to us at that point in time. It is a slow and thoughtful process. But, of course, it is much simpler to post a set of rules than to guide an artist. 

Mathematics should be something we do because it is an interesting and challenging way of teaching ourselves new ways of thinking and expressing ourselves.

Consider what music or painting would look like if we treat it like the typical math curriculum.

• What if music education was all about theory, dots and lines that make up the language of music? What if playing and listening to music was put off until colleg...