The Collatz conjecture is a conjecture in mathematics that concerns a sequence defined as follows: start with any positive integer n. Then each term is obtained from the previous term as follows: if the previous term is even, the next term is one half of the previous term. If the previous term is odd, the next term is 3 times the previous term plus 1. The conjecture is that no matter what value of n, the sequence will always reach 1. For example, starting with n = 12, one gets the sequence 12, 6, 3, 10, 5, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1. As of 2020, the conjecture has been checked by computer for all starting values up to 268 ≈ 2.95×1020. The eccentric Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdős claimed that "Mathematics is not yet ready for such problems," and referred to the conjecture as "Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless." The Collatz Conjecture describes the iterations of integers applied to a very simple function. The conjecture specifically states: "Starting from any positive integer n, iterations of the function C(n) will eventually reach the number 1. Thereafter iterations will cycle taking successive values 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1 ..." (Lagarias, 2010). To define a basic term, an integer n will be defined as odd when n ≡ 1 (mod 2). Likewise, n will be defined as even when n ≡ 0 (mod 2). With those common terms specified, the following is the function known as the Collatz function: 3n+1 if n is odd C(n) = n/2 if n is even The Collatz function is named as such with respect to its originator. The Collatz conjecture was made in 1937 by Lothar Collatz. Again, as of 2020, the conjecture has been checked by computer for all starting values up to 268 ≈ 2.95×1020, but very little progress has been made toward proving the conjecture. The author is shocked that such a simple proof exists. The author is humbly grateful for this first proof as well, as it came to me in a “flash” in such a way as I believe it was given to me (my brothers Ben and Phil will understand this). The second proof did not come to me via a “flash” experience, as the first one was.