i will discuss complexity theory, the area of study that leads to the $\mathrm{p =? \ np}$ problem. by the end we'll formulate all sorts of conjectures that are believed to be true, but no one has any idea how to solve. these include the enigmatic $\mathrm{p = ?\ np}$. if you could solve this problem, you would win the admiration of every complexity theorist along with the \$1 million clay math millennium prize. isn't that worth an hour of your time?