When "Proof in Textbook" Isn't Obvious: The Physics/Math Meme

This meme perfectly encapsulates a shared moment of dread and humor for many students in advanced mathematics or theoretical physics. The setup is simple: a professor casually states, "The proof is in the textbook," implying a straightforward explanation.

However, the "textbook" section presented below is anything but. It dives immediately into highly complex notation involving a 32-dimensional spinor, its decomposition, and concepts from group theory like SO(10), SU(5), and their representations.

The lengthy equation, coupled with instructions to generalize results for SU(n)and SO(2n), is intimidating. The punchline, "PROOF. Obvious.", delivered after such an intricate problem, is the core of the humor.

It highlights the vast gap between a professor's understanding and a student's struggle, making light of how seemingly "obvious" concepts in advanced fields can be incredibly challenging for learners. It's a relatable jab at the often terse and unhelpful explanations found in dense academic texts, resonating with anyone who's faced a daunting mathematical proof.