Part 5: Thirteen Times Summary and Analysis

Feynman agrees to lecture at the local city college, under the condition he will not have to sign his name more than thirteen times (including the signature on his paycheck) in order to do this—he abhors paperwork.

In the end he ends up having to sign twelve forms, and then teaches the course. After he has completed the course, he is told there is one more paper he must sign in order to receive his paycheck. He refuses to sign, since the check itself would be the thirteenth signature. The college insists they are unable to pay him unless he signs this form. Feynman is so stubborn on this point, however, that he is willing to give up his pay in order to avoid writing a fourteenth signature.

This causes confusion and anguish in the...