Terence Tao on Grigori Perelman declining the Fields Medal

Terence Tao's Perspective on Grigori Perelman 00:00

• Terence Tao shares a humorous anecdote about his own experience with the Fields Medal, emphasizing humility and continued focus on his work.
• The discussion shifts to Grigori Perelman, who famously declined both the Fields Medal and the Millennium Prize, citing a lack of interest in money or fame.
• Tao notes that Perelman is an outlier among mathematicians, who typically have idealistic views, and expresses a desire to meet him one day.
• Perelman has chosen to disengage from the math community, though he previously contributed through talks and papers.
• Tao acknowledges Perelman's disillusionment and lifestyle choices, mentioning his activities like mushroom collecting in St. Petersburg.
• He reflects on how winning the Fields Medal often leads to a shift in one's role in the mathematical establishment, where opinions are sought more frequently.
• Tao appreciates the motivational impact of the Fields Medal on young mathematicians, while also respecting Perelman's principled stance against awards.