[What a serious sort of answer from a nine year-old, but at this point James isn't surprised.]

You know what they say about the universe and entropy. [Actually, he doesn't know if Ian does or not, but there's no point in patronizing the boy. He's clever enough.] In a universe of disorder, it's nice to know that there are few defining rules still holding the world together.

Besides, being good at math can impress all sorts of women when you're older.

[James.........]