[Schweinhund]

> The mathematician is quoted as saying: "I do not think anything that I say can be of the slightest public interest. I have published all my calculations. This is what I can offer the public."

Cool.

[Red Badger]

I'll take it, and make sure he gets it.............after a while........

[in hoc signo vinces]

All kidding aside...this is a big problem this guy solved...truly.

This issue has been hasseling cosmologists for years. The implications of this problem being solved can help in fields of applied science/physics as well. Understanding space, and its fabric, is one more step in beating Einstein's speed limit.

[Mr. Brightside]

tracked down Perelman to a flat in St Petersburg, where he reportedly lives with his mother

He can solve the world's toughest math problem but cannot leave his mommy?

[Publius6961]

This guy is clearly a special person, mathematically, but I suspect it is offset by other problems generally hidden away by most societies.

Not to suggest that he doesn't deserve the prize(s).

[lilylangtree]

The good doctor recognizes a farce when he sees one. The Nobel was given to the likes Jimmah Cahter and yASSer araRATfink too.

[RexBeach]

I turned down a Nobel last year for the category "Things in General."

I think awards are so outre. Don't you?

[ozzymandus]

Ubernerd.

[Lunatic Fringe]

This seemingly simple conjecture notes that a sphere with a two-dimensional surface (as all spheres are in our normal experience) has the essential property that a slip-knot tied around any point of it can be pulled to a single point without cutting the string or breaking the sphere; a donut, in contrast, does not have this property.

Well, I will certainly sleep better tonight knowing that this Gordian Knot has been cut.

[SuziQ]

Have you heard of this guy?

[Sonny M]

This guy is a bit overdosed on humility.

Its good to be humble, but there is to much of a good thing.

He has enough to donate.

[sagar]

This guy is too arrogant to realize what he SAYS(not just what he DID) might be important.

[Dracian]

after a round of applause, president of the International Mathematical Union John Ball said "I regret that Dr Perelman has declined to accept."

Refusing on behalf of Perelman was a Ms. Sacheen Littlefeather ...

[SunkenCiv]

additional:

Maths genius declines top prize
Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 August 2006, 10:36 GMT 11:36 UK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5274040.stm
Perelman, ICM
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42000000/jpg/_42000540_perel_icm_203.jpg
Photos of the reclusive genius are rare

Grigory Perelman, the Russian who seems to have solved one of the hardest problems in mathematics, has declined one of the discipline's top awards.

...Manuel de Leon, chairman of the ICM, said: "The reason Perelman gave me is that he feels isolated from the mathematical community and therefore has no wish to appear as one of its leaders."

[Trajan88]

Cool stuff.

I didn't realize the Fields Medal was a real award... first I heard of it was in this flick ("Good Will Hunting"):