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Numerati's definitions

The Man Who Mistook Pi for Pie

When on hearing the sound of the number π, an autistic person or idiot savant thinks of a slice of a cake or pizza instead, or equates either word for something else that is unmistakably alien or paranormal.
Just as the man who mixed up his job for his life, Prof. Paulos, who mildly suffers from schizophrenia, occasionally sounds like the man who mistook pi for pie.
by Numerati December 28, 2023
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Piranoia

When the number π can’t forget or let go of all the things she sees, hears, and does—all the memories, good and bad, haven’t stopped haunting her to the point of affecting her mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Her piranoia had fellow mathematical constants e and φ worried that she might do something that could endanger her life.
by Numerati January 1, 2025
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Wasan

The native Japanese mathematics that was developed independently during the Edo period (1603–1868)—when Japan was isolated from the rest of the world, and when math was enjoyed as a pastime by both adults and children, and by folks of all social classes.
Wasan was replaced by its Western counterpart after the start of the Meiji era (1868–1912)—when Japan opened up to the West, and local scholars started adopting Western mathematical techniques.
by Numerati September 12, 2023
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Pi Needs You!

A humanist manifesto that brings together mathematicians and math educators around the globe to promote the message that math, in particular pi, must be humanized and inclusive rather than indifferent and elitist.
In an age of AI, where machines could spread π misinformation and disinformation, it’s of paramount importance that movements like “Pi Needs You!” reside in the mathematical consciousness of an oft-semi-innumerate lay public.
by Numerati January 5, 2025
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Faith

The spiritual password that allows every believer in Jesus Christ to gain access to and increase in God’s grace—His unmerited favor, which doesn’t depend on their deeds, rites, or pilgrimages they are religiously told to perform in their lifetime.
The enemy doesn’t mind you having faith in an impersonal God, who decides your eternal destiny based on your earthly works; instead, only faith in the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—will enable you and empower you to fulfill your God-given purpose in life.
by Numerati July 6, 2024
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Predictive Pi

When both mathematicians and AI could forecast new mathematical results on the number π based on published papers and from recently awarded pi-related research grants.
Predictive pi has somewhat democrarized previously secretive research conducted by both pure and applied mathematicians around the globe.
by Numerati August 19, 2025
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The Pi in Me

When there is a hidden element of π residing in all humans (or maybe even animals), whether they know it or not, regardless of their experience of school math—that pi-mind consciousness that intuitively seems to be guided by some Higher Being to convey new insights about the “sacred number” to humanity or any living entity.
When someone puts themselves in a Zen-like or transcendental state, the chances of them experiencing “The pi in me” aha! are higher than when they’re constantly being bombarded with a deluge of sensory input.
by Numerati March 22, 2025
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