Description
Book SynopsisIs 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 joyhumility, gratitude, connection, etc.through the apparent complexity of numbers? Have we oversold the practicality of mathematics, while ignoring its larger and more human purposeshappiness?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 referencesmusic, television and filmSingh 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 mathematicsour personal happiness.
Trade ReviewA 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. * Medium *
If mathematics has ever felt more robotic than human, Sunil Singh has written the book for you! Pi of Life takes us on a tour of virtues—gratitude, humility, courage, hope, and more—at once mathematical and deeply human…An inspiring and unexpected primer on the Good Life, and how mathematics can get us there. -- Dan Finkel, Founder of Math for Love, Creator of Prime Climb and Tiny Polka Dot, TEDx Speaker: Five Principles of Extraordinary Math Teaching
Sunil Singh, in this nourishing, magical book, guides us through math's cool crust to its emotional core, opening up the possibility for real joy in any discipline. -- Gary Antonick, Visiting Scholar, Stanford University, Writer of The New York Times Numberplay Column
This might be the most beautiful book ever written about mathematics. Once you pick up Pi of Life: Hidden Happiness of Mathematics and begin reading, you will not be able to put it down. Sunil Singh is an expert mathematician who writes in a conversational style with numerous brilliant references to movies, music, popular culture, and history. For anyone who thinks that they dislike math, this book will immediately change your mind. For those who love mathematics, the in-depth descriptions related to happiness will only affirm your conviction for the subject. This is a must-read for everyone! -- Matthew L. Beyranevand, author of Teach Math Like This, Not Like That and creator of “Math with Matthew”
Table of ContentsForeword James Tanton Introduction Chapter 1: Zero (Humility) Chapter 2: One Plus Two (Simplicity) Chapter 3: Q.E.D. (Courage) Chapter 4: Infinity (Curiosity) Chapter 5: Negative Square Root (Gratitude) Chapter 6: Seventeen (Health) Chapter 7: M.E. (Power) Chapter 8: ABC’d (Resilience) Chapter 9: Thirty-Seven (Laughter) Chapter 10: Phi (Connection) Chapter 11: Pi (Hope) About the Author Index
