Copying may be valuable for learning math (see the story of Kunihiko Kodaira for more details), but always remember to copy with your heart - with your eyes, and with your mind to understand, memorize and recall.
Inspiration flashes need deep accumulation.
【Background】Cognitive Science Cognitive science - Wikipedia had found that one important feature of human brain is saving energy.
So, how to improve you study efficiency?
Method 1: Taking notes.
Make a mind map, figure out the frame of the context and take notes. Add details, search the Internet or textbooks for more information. Only in this way can you hold the knowledge as long as possible.
Memory storage is negatively related to memory extraction. Connecting the knowledge to what you had memorized, and in the end form a net link, then you are more likely to withdraw the information needed.
Method 2: Switching scene, output
Study in different classroom will bring higher study efficiency.
For students, the best output is the exam, which will prompt you to sort out the knowledge points as well as giving timely feedbacks.
For adults, the best output is writing, speeching and teaching. The core of these methods is to really understand and take in what you had learnt.
Method 3: Drill on purpose
Break one section into different parts and learn in random orders in order to find the difference between different parts.
Improve the learning difficulty. Be careful that you should not make it too hard, or you will find it difficult to move on.
Method 4: Review, Review and Review.
Active recall what you had learnt, for many times. It truly works, trust me. Active recall is the best way to learn. Although it may make you feel upset, but don't be afraid, you'll be able to learn better.