ktheory.com

Today, Professor Kiselev, my math professor from Russia, wrote a theorem on the board about Reimann sums and integrability. The theorem was an �0�6if and only if�0�7 statement, meaning that if you assume a function is integrable, then you can prove it�0�9s Reimann sum converges to the integral, and conversely that if you assume the Reimann sum converges to the integral, the function is integrable. To prove an �0�6if and only if�0�7 theorem, you must essentially do two proofs.

He asked the class to vote on which proof we thought would be easier. Out of twenty people in the class, three voted that it is easier to assume integrability, then prove the Reimann sums converge; four voted that the converse is easier.

This slight majority was in error: it is trivial to prove that if a function is integrable, its Reimann sum converges to the integral. Upon demonstrating this, Professor Kiselev said in his thick Russian accent,
�0�6Clearly, democracy does not always work.�0�7

It was priceless. Subtly and witty.
He�0�9s an amazing professor. My study group is going to nominate him for a Quantrell award.

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