<p>I think that mathematically inclined people are born curious; they're born with the right attitude and approach. When they're first introduced to math (starting with addition and subtraction and all), they're amazed by it and want to learn more about it. Since they already think like mathematicians (rather, they're born with math "skills"), they don't have to waste time understanding why things work and all - they just apply and practice.</p>
<p>I think that they are talking about the ability to grasp concepts when they are presented.</p>
<p>Most of what you guys are calling "natural" is developed in the early years. The ability to apply knowledge, memory strength, all have a lot of building in the early years. A kid who is born into a family that plops them in front of the TV all day will be at a disadvantage to a kid who has parents that read to them every night, who has interactive toys like building blocks, and has to solve problems for themself rather than parents/older siblings doing things for them, and a kid who has to learn to apply knowledge (which shape goes in the triangle-shaped hole?) These two kids will turn out vastly different, since in the early years, they have so much rapid brain development. </p>
<p>To some extent (besides attitude, etc) this is why you see kids in their later years pick up problems naturally, and others struggle as if they were unaccustomed to solving such things.</p>
<p>ITS that you have to ACQUIRE it yourself by working on it.</p>
<p>But many people on this thread use "natural" as if it meant "inherent"</p>
<p>The capacity is natural, the skills and knowledge are acquired.</p>
<p>I agree with the person above. I think a lot of it has to do with capacity as in inherent in yourself, but most people can work and become relatively good. </p>
<p>If you notice some people have to work a lot harder than others to grasp the same concepts. I think some people are just naturally better at maths than others.</p>