FAQ About Grigori Perelman
How did the mathematics community react to Perelman's decision to decline awards?
The mathematics community was largely surprised and intrigued by Grigori Perelman's decisions to decline the Fields Medal and Millennium Prize. These decisions provoked discussions about the values and structures within the field, highlighting the balance between personal achievement, recognition, and intrinsic satisfaction. Many saw his stance as a principled reminder that genuine scientific advancement and understanding can be motivators as powerful as public recognition or financial gain.
