Over the years I've asked umpteen pilots, engineers, lecturerers, etc, etc the question - in nom-mathematical terms how does a wing work? I've never had the same answer twice but I've hugely enjoyed the discussion - and this latest one.
Line pilots inevitably give the old chestnut of longer distance/same time and are amazed if you suggest that it might not be entirely, how can I put this, true. Professors tend to start speaking and then suddenly stop as they realise the tricky ground ahead.
I was recently greatly impressed by the answer from a young, working engineer with a major airframer. A full and frank admission of the difficulties and a sketch of the prime competing theories. So impressed indeed that we are in the process of hiring him (for other reasons too I hasten to add).