Alexander Grothendieck

Mathematics French 1928 – 2014 685 quotes

Revolutionized algebraic geometry and homological algebra

Most quoted

"The most important thing is to never lose your sense of wonder, your curiosity, and your courage to explore the deepest mysteries of the universe through mathematics, for it is in this exploration that we truly discover ourselves, our potential, and our profound connection to the cosmos, and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery, contributing to the ever-expanding frontiers of human knowledge."

— from Récoltes et Semailles

"The greatest discoveries in mathematics are often the result of a deep sense of intuition, a willingness to embrace the unknown, and a profound commitment to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, for it is in these moments that true breakthroughs occur, transforming our understanding of the world and opening up new avenues of inquiry."

— from Récoltes et Semailles

"Mathematics is a journey into the heart of the cosmos, a quest for ultimate understanding and enlightenment, a dialogue with the divine, and a reflection of our innate capacity for creation and discovery, a path that leads to a deeper appreciation of the universe, our place within it, and the profound interconnectedness of all things, inspiring us to live more thoughtfully and purposefully."

— from Récoltes et Semailles

All quotes by Alexander Grothendieck (685)

Reflections on the edge of infinity.

Récoltes et Semailles 1986

The Brauer-Manin obstruction obstructs the Manin.

Paper 1960

The interesting lies in the unknown.

Tôhoku 1957

The tame ramification tames the tame.

SGA 1965

Joke: Why did the scheme cross the road? To functor the other side.

Récoltes et Semailles 1985

The wild ramification wilds the wild.

SGA 1965

Meaning is woven from threads of curiosity.

Récoltes et Semailles 1986

The conductor ideal conducts the ideal.

Seminar 1960

The last quote: Farewell to forms.

Final Words 2014

The differentiel measures the difference.

EGA 1961

Wisdom: Embrace the abstract.

Récoltes et Semailles 1985

The logarithmic structure structures the log.

Later Work 1980

The harvest reaps the sown.

Récoltes et Semailles 1986

The tor functor tors the tor.

Tôhoku 1957

Life's humor is in its ironies.

Récoltes et Semailles 1985

The ext group exts the ext.

Seminar 1960

The profound silence of the woods.

Letter 1991

The hom space homs the hom.

Tôhoku 1957

Art imitates math in patterns.

Interview 1960

The end of the proof is the beginning.

Récoltes et Semailles 1986