Pi of Life

The Hidden Happiness of Mathematics

By (author) Sunil Singh

Publication date:

08 August 2017

Length of book:

206 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475833751

Is the most important language in the universe also capable of making us happy in simple and profound ways? Can we really weave the foundations of lifelong joy—humility, gratitude, connection, etc.—through the apparent complexity of numbers? Have we oversold the practicality of mathematics, while ignoring its larger and more human purposes—happiness?
In Pi of Life: The Hidden Happiness of Mathematics, Sunil Singh takes the readers on a unique adventure, discovering that all the elements that are essential for lifelong happiness are deeply intertwined with the magic of mathematics. Blending classic wisdom with over 100 pop culture references—music, television and film—Singh whimsically switches the lens in this book from the traditional society teaching math to a new and bold math teaching society. Written with charming buoyancy and intimacy, he takes us on an emotional and surprising journey through the deepest goldmine of mathematics—our personal happiness.
A deeply personal story of a love affair with mathematics, and an urgent call for mathematics education to do better at exposing kids to its beauty, wonder, and utility.... Deftly woven pop culture (movies and books) anecdotes abound in this book, and they enhance the tapestry of Singh’s prose.... I won’t spoil it too much, but this book is deeply personal. Sunil and I are kindred spirits, right down to using some of the same problems and tasks with kids. When you reach the later chapters, you will see why this book had to be written. Suffice it to say that Sunil and I both agree that professional development needs to be meaningful and support the actual kids we teach.