Comic #2553: 2012-05-13

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Description

Here’s a detailed transcription of the comic text:

Panel 1: Child: "Dad, what's 1+1?"

Panel 2: Dad: "Good question. Is ‘1+1’ just a symbolic expression of what seems to always happen when I put one object next to another? Or is the putting together of objects an expression of an existent but abstract idea of duality."

Panel 3: Dad: "Sooo… I believe it's an abstract idea that exists, because it means that even though mommy is gone, her pattern exists somewhere, and she was an expression of the ways we can experience."

Panel 4: Dad: "If not, we'd have to conclude that a number of objects got together into an unspeakable combination we called ‘mommy’ until it ceased existing and went away forever."

Panel 5: Dad: "No, I couldn't accept such a notion. Somewhere… the pattern of mommy exists. When we say ‘1+1’ we summon an expression of the pure mathematical object, just as we summon the real mommy whenever we remember her."

Panel 6: Dad: "If her being weren't written on the book of truth, waiting someday to be read again, no quantity of hope could keep me living in this vast cold universe."

Panel 7: Child: "Ssssooo…"

Panel 8: Dad: "So… what is 1+1?"

Panel 9: LATER…

Panel 10: Teacher: "1 + 1 = sufficient for now."

Panel 11: Child: (pointing at the board)

This transcription maintains the original context while making it accessible.