The mental gymnastics we go through to verify basic arithmetic is the true pandemic. Normal humans just know 7+6=13, but mathematicians and overthinking STEM majors construct elaborate proofs involving known values, logical deductions, and probably three unnecessary differential equations just to double-check. It's like using a nuclear reactor to toast bread. The best part? After all that mental calculus, you still end up with the same answer as the person who counted on their fingers.