“Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the universe trying to build bigger and better idiots. So far, the universe is winning.“
-Robert Cringley
I’ve always found this quote funny, but sad at the same time because of how accurate it is. A couple of weeks ago, I was discussing the rising tide of mediocrity with a friend of mine. We talked about how stupidity is running rampant these days and it never ceases to amaze us.
I then told her what my father told me a few weeks ago: “You can’t get annoyed or say people are slow or dumb. You have to keep in mind that you guys are just smarter than most.” I realized that although it’s cocky, this is a much more positive way of looking at things. I shared the idea with my friend and she happily agreed. What brought my father to say this? Here’s the story:
I was buying a snack downtown. My tab came up to $3.83. I pulled out a $5.00 and started fishing around for change in my pocket. I managed to find 8 cents and handed it to the cashier. Clearly perplexed, he looked at me and the conversation was as follows:
- Why did you give me 8 cents??
- Well, if I give you 8 cents, then you can pretend that what you sold me was actually $3.75 and you can give me $1.25 in change. Then I can use the quarter to pay for 10 more minutes of parking. 
- (He still looked perplexed)
- (Continuing to be patient and polite) OK…well…rather than you giving me $1.17 and me being stuck with even MORE change in my pocket, now it can be a neat $1.25 and I have less change!
-(He looked like he wanted to give me back the 8 cents)
- Trust me. Punch it up in your register and you’ll see.
He punched in $5.08. He seemed amazed that it worked. My 8 cents had magically allowed me to get a dollar and a quarter back. Is basic math not required to be a cashier anymore? I guess not. Or perhaps would that be considered algebra? 500 – 383 – x = 125? Maybe, I don’t know. My formula is probably even wrong! LOL Don’t even get me started on the geniuses in the Metro (subway) trying to calculate how much change they owe me when the bus pass costs $33.75…!