THE LAST WORD ON THE 'COPPEDGE CURVE'

Perhaps this is the beginning and end of the Coppedge curve, a conversation my high school math teacher had with another student years ago.

Mr. Romao said: "Coppedge is not quicker than you, he's just smarter. We call that being a philosopher."

Student: "Is that your mathematical opinion?"

Romao: "It's not a mathematical opinion, it's just a fact."

Student: "You stated that sort of imperatively."

Romao (smiling): "Imperatively or not... It's just a fact. Take my word for it if you have to."

The secret implication seemed to be that I wasn't smarter at math, I was just smarter at 'whatever-it-is'.