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'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.

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

I don't want to be a mathematical mascot.

Reported statement to friends and journalists

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

Reported statement regarding the Fields Medal

I know how to control the universe. Why would I run to a small, insignificant prize?

Reported statement regarding the Millennium Prize

I don't see anything else that I could do.

Reported statement about his work

I have my own reasons.

Reported statement regarding his reclusiveness

I decided to withdraw from the mathematical community because I was disappointed with their ethical standards.