Grigori Perelman

Mathematics Russian 1966 413 quotes

A Russian mathematician who proved the Poincaré conjecture, one of the Millennium Prize Problems.

Most quoted

"I'm not interested in money or fame. I don't want to be on display like an animal in a zoo. I am not a hero of mathematics. I am not even that successful. That is why I don't want to be interviewed."

— from Interview with The New Yorker (though he refused to be interviewed directly, this sentiment was reported)

"I'm not interested in money or fame. I don't want to be a zoo animal. I am not a hero of mathematics. I am not even that successful. That is why I don't want to speak publicly."

— from Interview with The New Yorker

"I believe that the main reason for my refusal is that I am not satisfied with the organized mathematical community. I do not like their decisions, I consider them unfair."

— from Interview with Interfax, 2010

All quotes by Grigori Perelman (413)

If the proof is correct, then no other recognition is needed.

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I have given up everything for mathematics. I have no regrets.

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I don't need anyone's approval. I know what I've done.

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I am not a public person. I don't want to be.

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I don't care about the prize. I don't care about anything but the mathematics.

Interview with The New Yorker 2006

I don't want to be part of the mathematical community. I don't want to be part of any community.

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I have my own way of doing things. I don't need anyone to tell me what to do.

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I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I know what I've done.

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I am not interested in the world. I am only interested in mathematics.

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I have found my purpose in mathematics. That is all that matters.

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I don't need external validation. My work speaks for itself.

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I am content with my life. I have everything I need.

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The universe is a beautiful place. Mathematics helps us understand it.

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Truth is the ultimate goal. Everything else is secondary.

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I am a seeker of truth. That is my only identity.

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The beauty of mathematics lies in its purity.

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I don't seek happiness. I seek understanding.

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Life is a journey of discovery. Mathematics is my compass.

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The human condition is complex. Mathematics offers clarity.

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Consciousness is a mystery. Mathematics helps us explore it.

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