Grigori Perelman
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)
I have everything I want.
I am not a genius. I am just a mathematician.
The problem was solved. That is the most important thing.
I found a proof. That is my contribution.
Why should I share my work? It is complete.
I value my privacy more than recognition.
The world is full of interesting problems. Not just mathematical ones.
I do not need to travel. I can travel in my mind.
Money does not interest me. It cannot buy the truth.
I am not running away from anything. I am just living my life.
It is not my problem if people do not understand my decisions.
I prefer to communicate with a few people, not with the whole world.
The proof is there. Anyone can check it.
Fame only complicates life.
I am not a recluse. I am just selective.
Mathematics is a very pure field. It should stay that way.
I do not want to be part of the mathematical establishment.
The solution was obvious to me. I just had to write it down.
I do not need prizes. I need peace.
Why are you writing about me? Write about mathematics.
Contemporaries of Grigori Perelman
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of Grigori Perelman (1966).