String theory Memes

The evolution of mathematical proofs in textbooks is too real. First, we start with formal "proof by contradiction" (normal brain). Then the author gets lazy with "left as an exercise" (slightly enlightened brain). But the final form? "The proof is by magic" (cosmic brain explosion). This perfectly captures that infamous -1/12 sum proof that broke mathematicians' brains. You know, that bizarre result where 1+2+3+4+... somehow equals -1/12? String theorists use it with a straight face while the rest of us question our sanity. Every math student has experienced that moment of staring at a textbook wondering if "magic" might actually be the most honest explanation.