In 2019, I took on the challenge of memorizing and learning by heart a long sequence of 2000 digits, and to be more precise, the first 2000 digits after the comma of 3,1415926535 … and so on. The infamous π. Here is what I discovered about myself and my brain during this journey.

Disclaimer: I just realized that I also know the number 3 before the comma. So to be even more precise I’ve got 2001 digits of π floating in my brain. Anyway … ∏ , or “pi”, is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It is an important concept in geometry and has many practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and mathematics. π is also an irrational number, which means that it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, and therefore, after the comma, it is completely random. There are many ways to calculate the value of π (Archimedes’ method, Leibniz’s formula, Monte Carlo method, and many others) but it would go out of the scope of this article.

Firstly, let’s be clear. In practical terms, remembering more than 10 digits of π is a totally useless activity. As human species, we already calculated 100 trillion digits in 2022 (according to the latest googling session I did to write this article in December 2022: https://blog.google/products/google-cloud/new-digit-pi-2022/) and that’s all you need to know if you need the number for some iper-advanced calculations: just google it and you have it.

You do not work on it for the number itself, but in a sort of way, you let the number work for you.

The process of memorization required a significant amount of effort and dedication on my part, but it was ultimately a rewarding and almost meditative experience. After successfully committing the digits to memory, I also had the opportunity to show off my new skill to a group of friends and colleagues by reciting the entire sequence from memory. I’ve even earned a “π Pie” from my wife which tasted amazing.

As I repeated the digits over and over again, I found myself becoming more and more focused and immersed in the task at hand. Since the recital, I kept revising them, because I discovered several positive side effects in many different areas of my life that, ironically, are completely unrelated to math.

Here are a few reasons why it may be worth it for you the effort to commit these numbers to memory.

1 — Increased mental endurance

Memorizing a long string of numbers takes time and effort, and requires a high degree of mental endurance. By pushing yourself to memorize the first 2000 digits of pi, you can improve your ability to focus and stay mentally engaged for extended periods. This can be useful in a variety of situations, including when you need to study for a long exam, complete a complex project or play a long difficult and difficult piece on the piano (or any other instrument of course).

2 — Improved memory and cognitive function

Improved memory and cognitive function. My overall memory (let’s call it “mental space”) increased, and I simply feel to be able to store information for a longer interval of time. By exercising your brain in this way, you can improve your ability to remember other information and again complete complex tasks. Treat your brain as a muscle that needs continuous training. π is the perfect abstract gym for doing it.

3 — A skill set ready to be used

You build and train a skillset of memory techniques ready to be used in any area of your life. You cannot memorize 2000 digits of π without becoming proficient in using memory techniques. This skill set can be beneficial in many different areas of life, such as in school, at work, and in personal relationships. By using memory techniques, you can more easily retain and recall important information, which can then help you to be more productive and successful in your endeavors. I am going to write an article on the exact techniques I used in the next future.

4 — Improved self-discipline

Improved self-discipline. Memorizing digits of π is often used as an example of a task that can help to train self-discipline. This is because it is a challenging and time-consuming task that requires a person to focus and persevere in order to achieve success. By committing to learning the digits of π and then following through on that commitment, a person can develop their ability to set goals and stick to them, which is an important component of self-discipline.

5 — Meditative Effect

Memorizing digits of π and reciting them can have a similar effect to using a mantra in meditation. A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated over and over again and that can help to quiet the mind and to focus the attention. Similarly, memorizing and reciting digits of π can require the same level of concentration and focus, and it can help to quiet the mind and to calm the thoughts. With this activity, you can create a sense of mental clarity and peace, which can be beneficial for your overall well-being. (Disclaimer: While learning π and meditation are two distinct activities, they both have the potential to provide similar benefits. To experience the full range of benefits, I would recommend practicing both of these activities regularly.)

6 — New ideas and associations.

One big benefit of memorizing digits of π by heart is that it can help to improve a person’s ability to associate new ideas and concepts with each other. This happens because the process of memorizing π requires a person to engage their memory with a series of techniques that create connections between different pieces of information. By doing this, you can improve their ability to form new associations and to think creatively.

7 — It’s empowering

After a 30-minute revision session you simply start to feel good and you do not want to stop anymore. Just like how the physical demands of a sport can lead to the release of endorphins, the mental demands of memorizing pi can also lead to an empowering effect. In this way, the process of memorizing pi can be thought of as a mental sport, where the mind is the athlete and the digits of pi are the obstacle to be conquered.

A Little Bonus for the Nerdiers …

After getting a bit tired of staring at sheets of paper covered in digits of π, I decided to take matters into my own hands (or rather, my own keyboard) and I whipped up a little Python script that let me practice my pi-memorization skills directly from my terminal. But that’s not all — I even threw in a fancy database to keep track of my sessions and chart my progress. Let’s just say, things got a whole lot more efficient from there. No more boring, old-fashioned revision techniques for me — I was now a pi-memorization machine! And let me tell you, there’s nothing like seeing all your hard work pay off in a shiny, organized database. If you want to use it too, you can find it for free on my GitHub at this link:

In conclusion, learning 2000 digits of π can have many benefits, including improved memory and cognitive function, enhanced problem-solving skills, increased mental endurance, ability to connect ideas, and many others. While it may seem like a daunting task, committing these numbers to memory can be a worthwhile challenge that offers long-term benefits.