Alexander Grothendieck
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)
I have never been able to choose between mathematics and poetry.
The mathematician does not study pure mathematics because it is useful; he studies it because he delights in it and he delights in it because it is beautiful.
The important thing in mathematics is not so much to solve problems, but to discover new ways of thinking.
I left not because I was disgusted with mathematics, but because I was disgusted with the environment in which it was practiced.
The key to understanding is to be able to forget the details and grasp the structure.
One should never try to prove anything that is not almost obvious.
I have always felt that the purpose of my life was to seek the truth, not to build a career.
The real driving force of mathematical discovery is curiosity, not ambition.
A good mathematician is a lazy mathematician, because he always looks for the easiest way.
The deepest theorems are often those whose statement is simplest.
I have never been interested in getting credit for my ideas.
The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.
In mathematics, the art of proposing a question must be held of higher value than solving it.
The structure is the message.
I am not a specialist. My only specialty is to have none.
The goal of abstraction is not to be more vague, but to create a new semantic context in which precision becomes possible.
The most fruitful developments are often those where two different fields of thought collide.
To understand is to perceive patterns.
The true mathematician is not a problem solver, but a theory builder.
I have always been guided by the beauty of the ideas, not by their potential utility.
Contemporaries of Alexander Grothendieck
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of Alexander Grothendieck (1928–2014).