Phrase to use on a maths exam when you just can't get a proof to work. Also used, though less obviously and less blatantly, by professional philosophers, political scientists, and economists.

I finally had the opportunity, in my abstract algebra class Fall 2000, to use this phrase on an exam (the final, at that). I ended up with a B in the course.

This phrase comes from a very funny cartoon by Sidney Harris.

A senior professor is reviewing the chalkboard of his junior colleague. He says, "I think you should be more explicit here in step two." He is pointing to a section of the board that says, in the middle of some complicated-looking equations, 'THEN A MIRACLE OCCURS...'.

Editor note: Neither of the links shown work as described, I removed the 404'd one. t-shirts may be found with this link: https://www.google.com/search?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencecartoonsplus.com%2Fimages%2Fmiracle_sharris.gif%20tshirt&udm=2&sclient=img --wp.
It's available on a t-shirt at http://www.sciencecartoonsplus.com/gallery.htm ;
Currently available at AMazon https://www.amazon.com/ComputerGear-Miracle-Sidney-Harris-Cartoon/dp/B000QHGDCQ

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