Hessian Memes

The Hessian matrix is having an identity crisis! In mathematics, this square matrix of second-order partial derivatives is actually called the "Hessian" (named after German mathematician Otto Hesse). But clearly it's tired of being misidentified by clueless undergrads who probably also think eigenvalues are some kind of German beer. This is peak mathematical humor for those who've survived multivariable calculus. The symmetry of the Hessian matrix is beautiful—much like how it's symmetrically misunderstood by first-year students frantically cramming before finals.