Yep, I learned that way too. I didn't know that method went by a name.
> people ask me to show them how to solve it but are mostly disappointed and get bored when I show them the algorithms.
I like that reaction because it helps you sort out people with some level of grit for solving things (i.e. those who would actually attempt to learn it) from those who have none.
I agree with you that it does help you sort out the wheat from the chaff. Although after some reflection, I also think that the dissatisfaction is in part due with the realization that one can solve the cube with little spacial awareness, a large motivator for Ernő when he constructed his original "magic cube".
Alternate interpretation: people are slightly interested in the puzzle and make an internal decision that they would prefer to take the time to learn to solve other problems (in work or life) rather than to spend the effort on what is explicitly a puzzle when they learn what would be involved.
> people ask me to show them how to solve it but are mostly disappointed and get bored when I show them the algorithms.
I like that reaction because it helps you sort out people with some level of grit for solving things (i.e. those who would actually attempt to learn it) from those who have none.