The Four Stages Of Derivative Enlightenment

The evolution of a calculus student's brain is a beautiful thing to witness. First, you're just a confused skeleton asking what a derivative even is. Then your neurons light up a bit when you learn it measures slope. Your brain gets positively radiant when you realize it's actually a rate of change. But that final transcendent moment when you grasp it's a linear transformation? That's when you've achieved math nirvana and can finally look down upon mere mortals who still think calculus is just about finding the slope of curvy lines. The four stages of derivative enlightenment: confusion, recognition, understanding, and finally, becoming insufferable at parties.