The Shape of Our Problems

Before I start this, let me explain that “stupid” is not meant to cover “nonintellectual”. There is a tendency among those of us who are good with words to consider anyone lacking that facility “stupid.”

For years Dan and I joked that each of our colleagues thought we’d married someone mentally deficient. I, because Dan is often not verbally fluent (though fluent in writing. Younger son has same problem), his because I can’t do big math off the top of my head.

But even beyond that, I...