The Two Things

Economics professor Glen Whitman likes to play a game he calls The Two Things. As the story goes, he once told a guy he was an economist, and the guy asked, “What are the two things about economics?” When Whitman asked for clarification, the guy allegedly said,

For every subject, there are only two things you really need to know. Everything else is the application of those two things, or just not important.

Do you think that’s true? I’m not sure it is. Then again, I’m not sure it isn’t. But it made me wonder:

What are the two things about MATH EDUCATION?

Think you’ve got an answer to that question? If so, post your answer to @pvennebush on Twitter using the hashtag #2thingsmathed. (Or go old school, and leave it in the comments if you’re not a Twitterer.)

Answer the question however you like — serious or funny; pithy or loquacious; as an educator, a student, or just a concerned citizen.

The best submission — as judged by me, using a methodology that will be completely biased and not in the least bit subjective — will receive a signed copy of the forthcoming More Jokes 4 Mathy Folks. That’s right. With a little creativity, you’ll be able to WIN the highly anticipated sequel to Math Jokes 4 Mathy Folks before you can even BUY IT! How awesome is that?

The winner will be announced on Friday, August 4, 2017.

Over the years, Whitman has asked the question, “What are the two things about ___?” to people in a variety of professions. He’s collected quite a few of the responses at The Two Things page, but here are a few of my favorites:

Being an Executive Assistant

1. The boss is always right.
2. The boss is always wrong.

Project Management

1. The schedule will slip.
2. It’s all about managing the slippage.

Binary Systems

1. 0
2. 1

Computer Programming

1. The only way to idiot-proof software is to take away their computers.
2. Simple is better.

Software Engineering

1. There is no such thing as bug-free software.
2. Adding manpower to a late project makes it later.

Boxing

1. Hit.
2. Don’t get hit.

Writing

1. Include what’s necessary.
2. Leave everything else out.

Editing

1. Know the rules.
2. Pay attention.

Biology

1. Evolution is the process through which genetic structures that are better equipped to reproduce viable copies will tend to proliferate.
2. Except for the platypus.

Civil Engineering

1. Dirt + Water = Mud.
2. You can’t push a rope.

Reporting

1. There is no such thing as objectivity.
2. How the story ends will depend on your deadline.

—
UPDATE: Congratulations to @lauriesnowy! Here’s her winning tweet:

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