Pi In Yr Eye

Thursday, March 14, 2024

This is Pi Day, an annual celebration of π. As a logical association, it’s also A. Einstein’s birthday.

Pi Day is a recurring reminder of my attempts over many years to grasp mathematics beyond its fundamental elements. I’ve studied (it feels like in classrooms ad infinitum) to learn higher math. What’s weird is that while learning, I “get it.” For example, I survived Statistics and earned an A. But weeks later, couldn’t recall about stats enough to continue working with them.

After attempting to learn in various mathematical areas, I discovered that my math problems aren’t from “not learning.” They’re from “not retaining.” That’s odd, for my memory is generally good.

I’ve appreciated and, while learning, enjoyed math. I wonder what’s driven me to remain challenged by a subject area too difficult while ignoring areas of learning easier for me to grasp. I’ve decided it might be from an element in human nature that’s maybe related to survival mechanisms. Perhaps some of “what comes easy” gets set aside by an essential need to overcome “what’s more difficult.”

Anyway, have a happy π Day.

Dear Friends: Always this day re-invites thoughts of learning vs. non-learning. Diana