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)

I am not a role model. I am just a person who solved a problem.

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Society is very complicated. I prefer simplicity.

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The truth is not always popular.

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I am not against collaboration. I am against noise.

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I do not want to be managed.

Interview (The New Yorker) 2011

The problem is solved. Let us move on.

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I value my independence above all.

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Why do you need to interview me? Read my papers.

Statement to a journalist 2006

I am not a symbol. I am a mathematician.

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The most important things cannot be bought.

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I am content with my life as it is.

Interview (The New Yorker) 2011

Mathematics is a beautiful world. I live there.

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Do not look for me. Look for the truth.

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