Grigory Perelman (possibly AS) refuses Fields Medal

Post Reply New Topic

Russian mathematics genius Gregori Perelman has refused the Fields medal, Mathematics highest honour ($7,000). He was offered the Fields Medal for his 600 page long proof of the Poincaré Conjecture. It is only the second time ever that a mathematician has refused the award. I wonder if this reclusive and suborn genius has AS?

- Gregori Perelman

There is a growing feeling, a cautious optimism that [mathematicians] have finally achieved a landmark not just of mathematics, but of human thought. - Link: "Elusive Proof, Elusive Prover: A New Mathematical Mystery", New York Times, 15 August, 2006

Ex-colleagues of Grigory described him as very polite unconventional genius who didn't talk very much, he is very shy and unworldly. He is said to be angry over being ignored for promotion at his university in 2003. He has been unemployed since December 05 and is currently living with his mother in St Petersburg in poverty. He lives on his mothers $74 a month pension. He is likely to turn down the Clay Prize as well ( $1,000,000 ).

From The Register

John Ball, retiring president of the International Mathematical Union, told the BBC that he had gone to visit the reclusive mathematician in St Petersburg to discuss his reasons for declining the award.

He said that he wouldn't disclose Perelman's statements beyond saying that Perelman said he felt isolated from the mathematical community, and therefore had no wish to appear to be one of its leaders.

"He has a different psychological makeup that makes him see life differently," Ball added.

Emm, I think this is the closest we will get to a statement that Grigory has AS.

Well, if he doesn't want his $7,000 prize, I could sure use it. That $1,000,000 Clay Prize would really make me come out of my shell.

See article below:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060822/ap_ ... ath_genius