Not sure whether this is a joke or commentary on engineers and mathematicians.
Let's try an exercise. I wish to make a cup of tea and need to boil a kettle of water. There is a kettle of water on the counter and the stove is on. What do I do next?
Why, place the kettle on the stove!
Now, let's change the problem a little. The kettle is empty. What do I do?
Most people say fill the kettle with water and place it on the stove.
I disagree (being a mathematician).
I would fill the kettle with water and place it on the counter, because I already know how to solve that problem!
Let's try an exercise. I wish to make a cup of tea and need to boil a kettle of water. There is a kettle of water on the counter and the stove is on. What do I do next?
Why, place the kettle on the stove!
Now, let's change the problem a little. The kettle is empty. What do I do?
Most people say fill the kettle with water and place it on the stove.
I disagree (being a mathematician).
I would fill the kettle with water and place it on the counter, because I already know how to solve that problem!