[trubolotta]

First, we are not talking about college but grade school.

Second, the world doesn’t revolve around physics and math.

Third, in spite of the quote, I’ll bet Einstein had a fairly good command of such facts.

Fourth, memorization and thinking are complimentary mental exercises, not mutually exclusive.

Fifth, even if I can derive several equations for the calculation of pi, I am no better a citizen when that is completed.

[Olog-hai]

Actually, the world does revolve according to the principles of physics and math. Human society, however, is much more complex.

And there is only one way to calculate π; it does not require derivation. Divide the circumference of any circle by its diameter. (Why is it important to be a better or worse “citizen” versus person, too?)

[dr_lew]

Second, the world doesn’t revolve around physics and math.

Oh, the irony!

... "The truth that great men struggled for, we now breathe cheaply in the common air."