I have taught high school algebra to six people in my life. When I say taught, I mean did their homework, helped them prepare for tests, and held their hand as they sobbed uncontrollably because they were convinced they would never pass the final. I have spent many late nights—unexpectedly, of course—assisting with last-minute assignments that the "teacher just assigned out of the blue today." I dare say I've become somewhat of an expert on what learning math actually does to the human spirit and what one ultimately gains from it. Inevitably, usually approaching midnight after tackling several increasingly severe problems, the question arises: "What am I ever going to use this for anyway?"