In the end all you know is how to fire the howitzer, whether or not you need to do so is matter beyond comprehension.
I really appreciate this comment. I tell my students the following story. A few years ago I wanted to multiply a three digit number by a two digit number. I was in my office, and couldn't find my calculator. I stopped, and thought to myself, "Y'know, Adam, if you get a pen and paper, you could probably complete this in ten seconds." I then continued to look for my calculator for another two minutes.
I don't think, for me, it was a question of ability, or utility, or anything, but rather just a question of habit.
Adam Stinchcombe
Adirondack Comm Coll
Queensbury NY
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