Grigori Perelman

Solved Poincare conjecture, refused Fields Medal

Contemporary weird famous 111 sayings

Sayings by Grigori Perelman

Mathematics is not a sport.

Unspecified, implied through actions — Implicit criticism of competitive aspects of academia
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't need any help.

2000s — Reported statement to friends and colleagues
Controversial Unverifiable

My conscience is clear.

2010 — Reported statement responding to criticism or questions about his choices
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not interested in the opinions of others about my life.

2010 — Reported statement
Controversial Unverifiable

I have my own methods.

1990s-2000s — Reported statement about his approach to problems
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not a public figure.

2006 — Reported statement to a journalist
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't want to explain anything.

2006 onwards — Common response when pressed by media or colleagues
Controversial Unverifiable

The public is not capable of understanding my work.

Unspecified — Reported statement, possibly apocryphal but reflective of his reclusiveness
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't remember the exact details, but I recall that I had to do something about the number of dimensions. It was a long time ago. I don't remember the exact details.

2006 — Interview with The New Yorker about his work on the Poincaré Conjecture
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't want to be a show animal.

2006 — Reported reason for declining the Fields Medal
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not interested in money or fame. I don't want to be on display like an animal in a zoo.

2010 — Reported reason for declining the Millennium Prize and its million-dollar award
Humorous Confirmed

There is nothing I want to tell the world. I know how to control the universe. Why should I run for a million, tell me?

2010 — Allegedly said to a reporter after declining the Millennium Prize
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a hero of mathematics. I'm not even a mathematician. I'm just a man who knows how to calculate.

2010s — Allegedly said to a neighbor
Humorous Unverifiable

If I am to give a prize to someone, I should give it to myself.

2006 — Reported response when asked if he would accept a prize
Humorous Unverifiable

I have to finish the calculations. I still have some details to work out.

2000s — Reported by a colleague about his ongoing work, years after solving Poincaré
Humorous Unverifiable

The main reason is that I am not satisfied with the organization of the mathematical community. It is not fair. I am not going to be a part of it.

2006 — Reported reason for his withdrawal from the mathematical community
Humorous Unverifiable

I will not accept the prize.

2006 — Direct quote to a reporter regarding the Fields Medal
Humorous Unverifiable

I know how to comb a sphere.

2000s — A laconic response to a question about his work, playing on the Hairy Ball Theorem
Humorous Unverifiable

My interest was not in the prize or the money, but in the problem itself.

2000s — Reported sentiment regarding the Poincaré Conjecture
Humorous Unverifiable

I am not interested in public recognition.

2000s — Reported reason for his reclusiveness
Humorous Unverifiable