2010-01-29
Explanation
This comic explores the idea that there is a fine line between genius and idiocy. In the first panel, a man presents Euler'''s identity (e^(i*pi) = -1), one of the most beautiful equations in mathematics. When asked why this is true, he responds crudely: "Because f--k you, that'''s why!" This illustrates that even brilliant people can be crass and inarticulate outside their narrow area of expertise.
The second panel makes the point explicit: "A genius is just an idiot, except at one or two activities." A woman tells a scientist he was a terrible father, and his "universal fact analyzer" confirms it. The third panel warns that people mistakenly assume genius in one domain means genius in all domains. A man who competently explains constitutional veto procedures then pivots to absurd political opinions, suggesting people should elect "Hitler'''s ghost."
The final panel offers a tongue-in-cheek "solution": listen to experts only within their area of expertise. This is illustrated by a chess grandmaster being asked about war strategy, who responds with chess logic -- "Send in the clergy! They can move diagonally!" -- confusing bishops (chess pieces) with clergy (religious figures). The votey extends the joke by asking in what way someone is a polymath, and the answer is "dick jokes AND poop jokes," a self-deprecating jab at the comic'''s own brand of humor.