# How are more difficult proofs discovered?

Are there any resources that show how are the various proofs of important theorems in mathematics are invented? I don't understand how can anyone come up with this method for proof for example. I want to know some of the process of thinking. I can understand the proof, fill the missing steps and prove easier theorems by myself but there are proofs that although I understand the logic behind them, I don't know how they are discovered.

-
We don't "invent" proofs, we find them. And to be honest, I think the sad answer to your question is just that with experience and imagination, one thinks of new ideas to build proofs of new theorems. Going through history and looking at how mathematicians found inspiration for their proofs can be a pleasure though. –  Patrick Da Silva Dec 8 '12 at 9:26
Most of us feel that way; we just have different thresholds above which we can just shake our heads. (And looking back, we don’t always even know how we came up with some of our own proofs.) –  Brian M. Scott Dec 8 '12 at 9:26
It varies wildly by subject, and who discovered them. For example, Gauss was famous for proving wildly hard theorems, but giving as few details as possible. In any case, the truth is most proofs when they are first discovered probably caused someone much more pain, and were not as straight forward than is apparent when you see it in an article or textbook. –  Andrew Jean Bédard Dec 8 '12 at 9:29
Experience. ${}{}$ –  Qiaochu Yuan Dec 8 '12 at 9:48
One of the places where scientists frequently get inspired is the bathroom ;-) –  dtldarek Dec 8 '12 at 9:56

I think this is learning proof skills, practicing, challenging yourself and sometimes allowing the art of proof to flow like a master creates a painting.

You should do problems, practice, explore.

For example, see my response here and you should learn all the proofing approaches in those books and then step it up in the areas that interest you.

Expanding problem solving skill

As an example, Wiles spent seven years working on the proof for Fermat's Last Theorem (and it had a correctable error). When Wiles was asked about this error in a Nova (www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/andrew-wiles-fermat.html) special, he literally starting shaking. In other words, just like an artist cutting off an ear, it can drive you mad!

So, I am not sure if anyone can truly answer your question, but in simple terms, one must learn and practice the art and maybe there is a masterpiece in your future!

Explore!

-A

-
Great link to a great story (Fermat), and to a great post! +1 –  amWhy May 15 '13 at 4:05
+1 ${}{}{}{}{}{}{}$ –  Babak S. Jun 8 '13 at 0:23

This book is quite old, but it may answer your question. I found it enlightening.

"An Essay on the Psychology of Invention in the Mathematical Field", by Jacques Hadamard.

It's not too technical neither in the mathematics, nor in the psychology.