Well, now that I’m writing this post for the second time (because Textpattern blows) I’ll have to work up some enthusiasm before I proceed — just give me a second — okay…there. I’m good.
Woo HOOOO! Today, 3/14 at 1:59pm the world shall unite in celebration of the trillion-digit, mind-numbing number PI! (Get it? 3.14159. Don’t tell me you don’t know the first six digits of Pi!) Maybe the whole world won’t be celebrating but some remarkable geeks will be:
[They] gather to talk about pi, rhapsodize about it, eat pi-themed foods (actual pie, sure, but so much more), have pi recitation contests and, just maybe, feel a little less sheepish about their unusual passion.
That day falls on Wednesday this year: March 14. Or 3.14. Obviously.
The question is why, of course. And if you ask the fans of pi why, a startling number of them will come back with the same question: “Why climb Mount Everest?” Because it’s there.
But then they start talking about some very simple ideas. Like the beauty of a number that seems to go on forever and yet has no discernible pattern to it. Or about the valor of the memorization gymnastics, challenging oneself always to know more.
This is how Akira Haraguchi, a 60-year-old mental health counselor in Japan, puts it: “What I am aiming at is not just memorizing figures. I am thrilled by seeking a story in pi.”
If that turns you on — and I bet it does, you nerd — than why not take the next step and consummate your passing interest by buying something! Huh? Wouldn’t that feel good?
The Music of the Primes by Marcus du Sautoy is a pretty commendable purchase as far as purchases go, so take a moment to browse inside and “exercise your options.” Make your Pi day one to remember.
