Choice Memes

Combinatorial mathematics strikes again with existential wisdom. The binomial coefficient notation (n choose k) represents the number of ways to select k items from a set of n distinct objects - essentially the mathematical embodiment of choice itself. The punchline is that not being selected is, paradoxically, still a form of selection - you're just in the (n-k) group instead. It's the mathematical equivalent of telling yourself "I didn't get rejected, I got selected for the group of people who weren't selected." Pure mathematician coping mechanism in equation form.