Conditional Reality

Professor Ebbtide Treering taught mathematics at the university. He allowed no recording devices in his classrooms. This included computers, sound recorders, video cameras, and even pens and pencils. How do we take notes, said his students, if we can’t record your lectures? Professor Treering pointed to his ear. This is all the device you will ever need, he said. Now listen. He recited the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra in a voice and delivery worthy of a poet. When he was finished his students sat in stunned silence. Professor Treering tapped his temple. You see? he said. I am right, no?