Prisoner's Dilemma

J and I have been doing a lot of talking lately about what if it is twins. For a few days, J was ecstatic about the idea. This is because he has never in his life, for even the briefest of moments, cared for an infant. Not having my own children, I may not completely understand, but I have a niece and nephew and enough friends with kids that I can somewhat comprehend the challenges we might face caring for two newborns at the same time. After many discussions, J as come to agree that twins would not be a bad thing, but would be less good.

Still, we have begun referring to "the babies." Probably not karmically the best idea. Today J was adamant that the babies not be allowed to read any books on game theory. As an English major, my reaction was, "What the hell are you talking about?" So he explained.

Were they to read a book on game theory, they would learn of the prisoner's dilemma and that would foil all of his parenting plans. You see, we can tell them that whomever eats their peas will get more love that day, and so each will eat their peas. But if they were to study the prisoner's dilemma, they would learn that the best strategy would be for them both to refuse to eat their peas.

I don't know if I am having one or two, but I am certain I am having nerd(s).