Andrew Wiles

I knew that if I was going to solve it, I had to do it in secret. I couldn't have the pressure of the world watching me.

The feeling of finally understanding something, of seeing the pieces fall into place, is incredibly rewarding.

Fermat's Last Theorem was a challenge to the mathematical world for over 350 years. It was a symbol of the unattainable.

You have to be prepared to fail, to make mistakes, to go down blind alleys. That's part of the process.

The proof of Fermat's Last Theorem is not just a triumph for me, but for the entire mathematical community.

Mathematics is about asking questions, and then finding ways to answer them.

I think the greatest joy in mathematics is to discover something new, to see something that no one has seen before.

The problem was so famous, it was almost a mythical beast.

It's not about being clever, it's about being persistent.

The history of mathematics is full of problems that seemed impossible until someone found a way.

I had to create a whole new language to solve this problem.

The moment of discovery is exhilarating, but it's the journey that's truly important.

I was driven by a childhood dream, and that dream kept me going.

The proof is long and complex, but the underlying ideas are beautiful.

You have to be willing to spend a lot of time alone with your thoughts.

The greatest challenges often lead to the greatest breakthroughs.

Mathematics is a collaborative effort, even when you're working alone.

I never gave up hope, even when it seemed impossible.

The solution to a difficult problem often comes from an unexpected direction.

The beauty of mathematics lies in its logical structure and its profound implications.