Short biography Perelman life science. Grigory Perelman - biography, information, personal life

The mathematician Perelman is a very famous person, despite the fact that he leads a secluded life and in every possible way avoids the press. His proof of the Poincaré hypothesis put him on a par with the greatest scientists in world history. The mathematician Perelman has turned down many awards from the scientific community. This man lives very modestly and is completely devoted to science. Of course, it is worth telling about him and his discovery in detail.

Father of Grigory Perelman

On June 13, 1966, Grigory Yakovlevich Perelman, a mathematician, was born. There are not many photos of him in the public domain, but the most famous are presented in this article. He was born in Leningrad, the cultural capital of our country. His father was an electrical engineer. He had nothing to do with science, as many believe.

Yakov Perelman

It is widely believed that Gregory is the son of Yakov Perelman, a well-known popularizer of science. However, this is a delusion, because he died in besieged Leningrad in March 1942, so he could not be a father in any way.This man was born in Bialystok, a city that previously belonged to Russian Empire, and is now part of Poland. Yakov Isidorovich was born in 1882.

Yakov Perelman, which is very interesting, was also attracted by mathematics. In addition, he was fond of astronomy and physics. This man is considered the founder of an entertaining science, as well as one of the first who wrote works in the genre popular science literature... He is the creator of Living Mathematics. Perelman has written many other books as well. In addition, his bibliography includes over a thousand articles. As for a book like Living Mathematics, Perelman presents various puzzles related to this science. Many of them are designed as short stories. This book is intended primarily for teenagers.

In one respect, the book by Yakov Perelman (Entertaining Mathematics) is also particularly interesting. Trillion - do you know what that number is? It's 10 21. For a long time in the USSR, there were two parallel scales - "short" and "long". According to Perelman, "short" was used in financial calculations and everyday life, and "long" - in scientific worksdedicated to physics and astronomy. So, a trillion on a "short" scale does not exist. 10 21 is called sextillion. These scales generally differ significantly.

However, we will not dwell on this in detail and proceed to the story of the contribution to science made by Grigory Yakovlevich, and not Yakov Isidorovich, whose achievements were less modest. By the way, it was not his famous namesake who instilled love for science in Gregory.

Perelman's mother and her influence on Grigory Yakovlevich

The mother of the future scientist taught mathematics at vocational school. She was also a talented violinist. Probably, the love for mathematics, as well as for classical music, Grigory Yakovlevich took over from her. Both that and another equally attracted Perelman. When he was faced with the choice of where to enter - to a conservatory or to a technical university, he could not make up his mind for a long time. Who knows who Grigory Perelman could have become if he had decided to get a musical education.

The childhood of the future scientist

From a young age, Grigory was distinguished by his competent speech, both written and oral. He often amazed teachers at school with this. By the way, until the 9th grade, Perelman studied at high school, apparently, typical, of which there are so many on the outskirts. And then teachers from the Palace of Pioneers noticed a talented young man. He was taken to courses for gifted children. This contributed to the development of Perelman's unique talents.

Winning the Olympiad, graduation

From then on, the milestone of victories for Gregory begins. In 1982 he received it at the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Budapest. Perelman participated in it with a team of Soviet schoolchildren. He got a full mark, having solved all problems flawlessly. Gregory graduated from the eleventh grade of the school in the same year. The very fact of participation in this prestigious Olympiad opened the doors of the best educational institutions of our country for him. But Grigory Perelman not only participated in it, but also received a gold medal.

It is not surprising that he was enrolled without exams in the Leningrad state University, at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics. By the way, Strange as it may seem, Gregory did not receive a gold medal at school. This was prevented by a physical education grade. Passing sports standards at that time was mandatory for everyone, including those who could hardly imagine themselves at the jumping pole or at the barbell. In the rest of the subjects, he studied for fives.

Study at LSU

Over the next few years, the future scientist continued his education at Leningrad State University. He participated, and with great success, in a variety of mathematical competitions. Perelman even managed to get a prestigious Lenin scholarship. So he became the owner of 120 rubles - a lot of money at that time. He must have been doing well at the time.

It must be said that the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of this university, which is now called St. Petersburg, was one of the best in Russia during the Soviet years. In 1924, for example, V. Leontiev graduated from it. Almost immediately after completing his studies, he received the Nobel Prize in Economics. This scientist is even called the father of the American economy. Leonid Kantorovich, the only national laureate of this prize, who received it for his contribution to this science, was a professor of mathematics.

Continuing education, life in the USA

After graduating from Leningrad State University, Grigory Perelman entered the Steklov Mathematical Institute to continue his postgraduate studies. Soon he flew to the USA to present this educational institution... This country has always been considered a state of unlimited freedom, especially in soviet time among the inhabitants of our country. Many dreamed of seeing her, but the mathematician Perelman was not one of them. It seems that the temptations of the West have passed unnoticed for him. The scientist continued to lead a modest lifestyle, even a somewhat ascetic one. He ate sandwiches with cheese, washed down with kefir or milk. And of course the mathematician Perelman worked hard. In particular, he was involved in teaching. The scientist met with his fellow mathematicians. America bored him 6 years later.

Return to Russia

Gregory returned to Russia, to his native institute. Here he worked for 9 years. It was at this time, probably, that he began to understand that the road to "pure art" lies through isolation, isolation from society. Gregory decided to break off all his relations with colleagues. The scientist decided to lock himself in his Leningrad apartment and start a grandiose work ...

Topology

It is not easy to explain what Perelman proved in mathematics. Only great lovers of this science can fully understand the significance of his discovery. We will try to explain in an accessible language about the hypothesis that Perelman brought out. Grigory Yakovlevich was attracted by topology. This is a branch of mathematics, often referred to as rubber sheet geometry. Topology studies geometric shapes that persist when a shape bends, twists, or stretches. In other words, if it is absolutely elastically deformed - without gluing, cuts and tears. Topology is very important for a discipline like mathematical physics. It gives an idea of \u200b\u200bthe properties of space. In our case, we are talking about an infinite space that is continuously expanding, that is, about the Universe.

Poincaré's hypothesis

The great French physicist, mathematician and philosopher J.A. Poincaré was the first to hypothesize on this score. This happened at the beginning of the 20th century. But it should be noted that he made an assumption, and did not provide a proof. Perelman set himself the task of proving this hypothesis, deriving, after a whole century, a logical solution.

When talking about its essence, they usually begin as follows. Take the rubber disc. It should be pulled over the ball. Thus, you have a two-dimensional sphere. It is necessary that at one point the circumference of the disc is collected. For example, you can do this with a backpack by pulling and tying a cord around it. It turns out a sphere. Of course, for us it is three-dimensional, but from the point of view of mathematics it will be two-dimensional.

Then, already figurative projections and reasoning begin, which are difficult for an unprepared person to understand. We should now imagine a three-dimensional sphere, that is, a ball stretched over something, which goes into another dimension. The three-dimensional sphere, according to the hypothesis, is the only existing three-dimensional object that can be pulled together by a hypothetical "hypercord" at one point. The proof of this theorem helps us understand what shape the universe has. In addition, thanks to it, one can reasonably assume that the Universe is such a three-dimensional sphere.

Poincaré's hypothesis and the Big Bang theory

It should be noted that this hypothesis is a confirmation of the theory Big bang... If the universe is a single "figure" distinctive feature which is the ability to pull it down to one point, which means that it can be stretched in the same way. The question arises: if it is a sphere, what is outside the universe? Is a person, who is a by-product related to only one planet Earth and not even to the cosmos as a whole, capable of knowing this sacrament? Those who are interested can be invited to read the works of another world-famous mathematician - Stephen Hawking. However, he cannot say anything concrete on this score either. Let's hope that in the future another Perelman will appear and he will be able to solve this riddle, which torments the imagination of many. Who knows, maybe Grigory Yakovlevich himself will still be able to do this.

Nobel Prize in Mathematics

Perelman did not receive this prestigious award for his great achievement. Strange, isn't it? In fact, this can be explained very simply when you consider that such an award simply does not exist. A whole legend was created about the reasons why Nobel deprived the representatives of such an important science. To this day, the Nobel Prize in Mathematics has not been awarded. Perelman probably would have gotten it if it existed. There is a legend that the reason for Nobel's rejection of mathematicians is as follows: it was to the representative of this science that his bride left him. Whether it is true or not, but only with the advent of the 21st century, justice finally triumphed. It was then that another prize for mathematicians appeared. Let's briefly tell you about its history.

How did the Clay Institute Award come about?

At a mathematical congress held in Paris in 1900, he proposed a list of 23 problems to be solved in the new, 20th century. To date, 21 of them have been resolved. By the way, Yu. V. Matiyasevich, a graduate of the Leningrad State University Mathematics and Mechanics Department, completed solving 10 of these problems in 1970. At the beginning of the 21st century, the American Clay Institute compiled a similar list, consisting of seven problems in mathematics. They should have been solved already in the 21st century. A million dollar award was announced for each of them. Back in 1904, Poincaré formulated one of these problems. He hypothesized that all three-dimensional surfaces homotypically equivalent to a sphere are homeomorphic to it. Speaking in simple words, if a three-dimensional surface is somewhat similar to a sphere, then it is possible to spread it into a sphere. This statement of the scientist is sometimes called the formula of the universe because of its great importance in understanding complex physical processes, and also because the answer to it means solving the question of the shape of the universe. It should also be said that this discovery plays an important role in the development of nanotechnology.

So, the Clay Mathematical Institute decided to choose the 7 most difficult problems. Each of them was promised a million dollars for the solution. And now Grigory Perelman appears with the discovery he made. The math prize, of course, goes to him. He was noticed pretty quickly, since since 2002 he has been publishing his developments on foreign Internet resources.

How Perelman won the Clay Prize

So, in March 2010, Perelman was awarded the well-deserved award. An award in mathematics meant receiving an impressive fortune, the amount of which was $ 1 million. Grigory Yakovlevich should have received it for proof. However, in June 2010, the scientist ignored the mathematical conference held in Paris, at which the presentation of this award was to take place. On July 1, 2010, Perelman announced his refusal in public. Moreover, he did not take the money put to him, despite all the requests.

Why did the mathematician Perelman refuse the prize?

Grigory Yakovlevich explained this by the fact that his conscience does not allow him to receive a million, due to several other mathematicians. The scientist noted that he had many reasons both to take money and not to take it. For a long time he could not make up his mind. Grigory Perelman, a mathematician, named disagreement with the scientific community as the main reason for refusing the award. He noted that he considers his decisions to be unfair. Grigory Yakovlevich said that he believes that the contribution of Hamilton, a German mathematician, to the solution of this problem is no less than his.

By the way, a little later an anecdote on this topic even appeared: mathematicians need to allocate millions more often, perhaps someone will nevertheless decide to take them. A year after Perelman's rejection, Demetrios Christodoul and Richard Hamilton were awarded the Shaw Prize. The size of this math award is one million dollars. This prize is sometimes referred to as the Nobel Prize of the East. Hamilton received it for the creation of a mathematical theory. It was it that the Russian mathematician Perelman then developed in his works devoted to the proof of Poincaré's conjecture. Richard accepted this award.

Other awards that Grigory Perelman refused

By the way, in 1996 Grigory Yakovlevich was awarded the prestigious prize for young mathematicians from the European Mathematical Community. However, he refused to receive it.

Ten years later, in 2006, the scientist was awarded the Fields Medal for solving the Poincaré hypothesis. Grigory Yakovlevich refused her too.

Science magazine in 2006 named the proof of the hypothesis created by Poincaré as the scientific breakthrough of the year. It should be noted that this is the first work in the field of mathematics that has earned such a title.

David Gruber and Sylvia Nazar published an article titled Manifold Destiny in 2006. It talks about Perelman, about his solution to the Poincaré problem. In addition, the article talks about the mathematical community and the ethical principles existing in science. It also contains a rare interview with Perelman. Much has been said about the criticism of Yau Shintan, a Chinese mathematician. Together with his students, he tried to challenge the completeness of the evidence presented by Grigory Yakovlevich. In an interview, Perelman noted: "Those who violate ethical standards in science are not considered aliens. People like me are those who find themselves in isolation."

In September 2011, he refused from membership in Russian academy mathematician Perelman. His biography is presented in a book published in the same year. From it you can learn more about the fate of this mathematician, although the information collected is based on the testimony of third parties. Its author - The book was compiled on the basis of interviews with classmates, teachers, colleagues and colleagues of Perelman. Sergei Rukshin, the teacher of Grigory Yakovlevich, spoke critically about her.

Grigory Perelman today

And today he leads a secluded life. Mathematician Perelman ignores the press in every possible way. Where does he live? Until recently, Grigory Yakovlevich lived with his mother in Kupchino. And since 2014, the famous Russian mathematician Grigory Perelman has been in Sweden.

Grigory Yakovlevich Perelman. Born June 13, 1966 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Russian mathematician who proved the Poincaré conjecture.

He is Jewish by nationality.

Father - Yakov Perelman, an electrical engineer, emigrated to Israel in 1993.

Mother - Lyubov Leibovna Steingolts, worked as a mathematics teacher at a vocational school, after her husband left for Israel, she remained in St. Petersburg.

Younger sister - Elena (born 1976), mathematician, graduate of St. Petersburg University (1998), in 2003 she defended her PhD thesis at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, since 2007 she has been working as a programmer in Stockholm.

In some sources, Perelman is mistakenly attributed to a relationship with Yakov Isidorovich Perelman, a famous physicist, mathematician and astronomer. But they are just namesakes.

Gregory's mother played the violin and early years instilled in him a love of classical music, he graduated from music school. He played table tennis well.

From the 5th grade, Grigory studied at the mathematics center at the Palace of Pioneers under the guidance of Sergei Rukshin, associate professor of the Russian State Pedagogical University, whose students have won many awards at mathematical olympiads. In 1982, as part of a team of Soviet schoolchildren, he won a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Budapest, receiving a full point for the impeccable solution of all problems.

Until the 9th grade, Perelman studied at a secondary school on the outskirts of Leningrad, then transferred to the 239th physics and mathematics school. Gold medal did not receive due to a low grade in physical education.

After leaving school without exams, he was enrolled in the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of the Leningrad State University. He won the faculty, city and all-union student mathematics Olympiads. All the years I studied only with excellent marks. He received a Lenin scholarship for his academic success.

After graduating with honors from the university, he entered graduate school ( scientific director - A.D. Aleksandrov) at the Leningrad Branch of the V.I. V.A. Steklov (LOMI - until 1992; then - POMI).

Having defended his Ph.D. thesis on the topic “Saddle surfaces in Euclidean spaces” in 1990, he remained to work at the institute as a senior researcher.

In 1991 he was awarded the prize "Young mathematician" of the St. Petersburg Mathematical Society for the work "Alexandrov spaces with curvature bounded from below".

In the early 1990s, Perelman came to the United States, where he worked as a research assistant at various universities. He surprised his colleagues with the asceticism of everyday life, his favorite food was milk, bread and cheese.

In 1994 proved the hypothesis of the soul (differential geometry). He proved several key statements in the Alexandrov geometry of spaces of curvature bounded below.

In 1996 he returned to St. Petersburg, continuing to work at POMI, where he worked alone to prove the Poincaré hypothesis.

In 1996 he was awarded the European Mathematical Society Prize for Young Mathematicians, but he refused to receive it.

Entropy formula for the Ricci flow and its geometric applications;
- Ricci flow with 3D surgery;
- Finite decay time for solutions of the Ricci flow on some three-dimensional manifolds.

The appearance on the Internet of Perelman's first article on the entropy formula for the Ricci flow caused an immediate international sensation in the scientific community. In 2003, Grigory Perelman accepted an invitation to visit a number of American universities, where he gave a series of talks on his work on proving the Poincaré conjecture.

In America, Perelman spent a lot of time explaining his ideas and methods, both in public lectures organized for him and during personal meetings with a number of mathematicians. After his return to Russia, he answered numerous questions from his foreign colleagues by e-mail.

In 2004-2006, three independent groups of mathematicians were involved in checking Perelman's results:

1. Bruce Kleiner, John Lott, University of Michigan;
2. Zhu Xiping, Sun Yatsen University; Cao Huidong, Lihai University;
3. John Morgan, Columbia University; Gan Tian, \u200b\u200bMassachusetts Institute of Technology.

All three groups concluded that Poincaré's conjecture was completely proven, but Chinese mathematicians Zhu Xiping and Cao Huidong, along with their teacher Yau Shintong, attempted plagiarism, claiming that they had found a "complete proof." They later rejected this statement.

In December 2005, Grigory Perelman resigned from the post of leading researcher of the laboratory of mathematical physics, resigned from POMI and almost completely broke off contacts with colleagues.

In 2006, Grigory Perelman was awarded the international prize "Fields Medal" for solving the Poincaré hypothesis - "For his contribution to geometry and his revolutionary ideas in the study of the geometric and analytical structure of the Ricci flow." However, he refused it.

In 2007, the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph published a list of "One Hundred Living Geniuses", in which Grigory Perelman ranks 9th. In addition to Perelman, only 2 Russians were included in this list - Garry Kasparov (25th place) and Mikhail Kalashnikov (83rd place).

In March 2010, the Clay Mathematical Institute awarded Grigory Perelman a US $ 1 million Proof of Poincaré Conjecture Prize, the first ever Millennium Problem Award.

In June 2010, Perelman ignored a mathematical conference in Paris, which was supposed to award the Millennium Prize for proving the Poincaré hypothesis, and on July 1, 2010, he publicly announced his rejection of the award. Motivated as follows: “I refused. You know, I had a lot of reasons in both directions. That's why I took so long to decide. In short, the main reason is disagreement with the organized mathematical community. I do not like their decisions, I consider them unfair. I believe that the contribution of the American mathematician Hamilton to the solution of this problem is no less than mine. "

“Simply, the essence of Poincaré's theory can be stated as follows: if a three-dimensional surface is somewhat similar to a sphere, then it can be expanded into a sphere. Poincaré's statement is called the "Formula of the Universe" because of its importance in the study of complex physical processes in the theory of the universe and because it gives an answer to the question of the shape of the Universe. Therefore, for so many years they fought over its proof. I know how to run the universe. And tell me - why should I run after a million? ", - he said in an interview.

Such a public assessment of the merits of Richard Hamilton by the mathematician who proved the Poincaré hypothesis can be an example of nobility in science, since, according to Perelman himself, Hamilton who collaborated with Yau Shintun has noticeably slowed down in his research, faced with insurmountable technical difficulties.

In September 2011, the Clay Institute, together with the Henri Poincaré Institute (Paris), established a position for young mathematicians, the money for which will go from the Millennium Prize awarded but not accepted by Grigory Perelman.

In 2011, Richard Hamilton and Demetrios Christodoul were awarded the so-called. Shao Prize in Mathematics of $ 1,000,000, also sometimes called Nobel Prize East. Richard Hamilton was awarded for the creation of a mathematical theory, which was then developed by Grigory Perelman in his work on proving the Poincaré conjecture. Hamilton accepted the award.

In 2011, Masha Gessen's book about the fate of Perelman “Perfect Severity. Grigory Perelman: genius and the task of the millennium ”, based on numerous interviews with his teachers, classmates, colleagues and colleagues.

In September 2011, it became known that the mathematician refused to accept the offer to become a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Personal life of Grigory Perelman:

Not married. Have no children.

Leads a secluded life, ignores the press. He lives in St. Petersburg in Kupchino with his mother.

There were reports in the press that Gregory had been living in Sweden since 2014, but later it turned out that he was there occasionally.

The famous Petersburg mathematician Grigory Perelman, who proved the Poincaré conjecture, went to live in Sweden. Writes about this "Komsomolskaya Pravda" with reference to an anonymous source.

Disappears for months

The legendary scientist, who once shocked the world with his rejection of the million-dollar prize for proving Poincaré's hypothesis, still attracts attention to this day. This man with long hair and uncut nails is called the man of the world. He entered the list of the hundred most famous people planets. For many years reporters hunted for a mysterious man who chose the ascetic lifestyle in a tiny apartment in St. Petersburg's Khrushchev. But only a couple of times was it possible to photograph the recluse going to the store with a string bag. The unsociable genius basically did not want to give interviews.

And for the last couple of years, nothing has been heard about him at all. Neighbors assured: periodically Perelman disappears somewhere. He is not seen for weeks or even months. And then unexpected news became known.

"Nothing to live on"

Four years ago I wrote about Perelman's life and met a mathematician with whom Grigory Yakovlevich sometimes communicates in scientific topics... This man took his word that we will not give his name and made a sensation.

Nobody knows about this yet, but Grigory Yakovlevich recently left for Sweden, - he said. - Perelman simply has nothing to live on. It existed on my mother's pension. For many years after the proven Poincaré hypothesis, he did not work anywhere. He declared that he was done with science, but he missed it terribly. St. Petersburg University invited him to teach, offering a salary of 17 thousand rubles. Perelman was not satisfied with either the money or the working conditions. Refused. But he secretly hoped that his financial situation would improve over time. He believes that mathematics is "a lonely affair" and it is impossible to consider science as a commodity ...

And then a couple of months ago, a Swedish private research firm made him an offer that he could not refuse. He had the opportunity to do what he loved, while receiving a decent salary.

Does what he loves

Is that really true? I am writing to the Israeli TV producer Alexander Zabrovsky. It was he who was eager to make a feature film about Perelman and for several years persuaded the mathematician to agree to this.

Yes, Perelman works in Sweden, it's true, - Zabrovsky confirmed in an informal conversation. - Moreover, it was with my help that Grigory Yakovlevich managed to solve financial difficulties and find a job you like.

And how did you help him?

I struggled for a long time to establish more or less friendly relations with Perelman. And he knew in what terrible conditions he lived. At work, I regularly communicate with a Swedish company. And once he told the Swedes about the Russian genius. They were suddenly interested. They raised their contacts and said that a private Swedish company that is engaged in scientific research is ready to hire Perelman. I conveyed their proposal to Grigory Yakovlevich. And he, on reflection, agreed. He was given a decent monthly salary, given housing in one of the small towns of Sweden. Now she is doing what she loves and no longer experiences material problems. Mom went with him. The half-sister of Grigory Yakovlevich is also there. Science knows no geographical or national barriers. The main thing is that his mind is beneficial to society and he himself is good and comfortable.

Work related to nanotechnology

The Federal Migration Service of St. Petersburg confirmed to us: Mr. Perelman received a passport and a visa for a period of 10 years and left for Sweden by invitation. The documents indicate the reason for the trip - “ scientific activity". And the first time he went to Sweden back in 2013. At the same time, the mathematician remains a citizen of Russia.

As "Komsomolskaya Pravda" found out, Perelman's work schedule is free - no restrictions on movement and requirements must appear "in the office" every day. Geographically, it can be anywhere: in Sweden and in Russia. The work is related to nanotechnology. Grigory Yakovlevich keeps in touch with his employers by phone - they communicate in English, which Perelman knows very well.

Well, maybe the world will still hear about the new achievements of the famous mathematician.

The brilliant mathematician Grigory Perelman shocked scientific world, proving the Poincaré conjecture - one of the hardest riddles millennium. And the townsfolk were surprised by the refusal of a poor scientist from the due bonus of a million dollars. Gradually, the genius himself and his reclusive lifestyle became a mystery, comparable in complexity to the proven theorem.

Childhood and youth

Grigory Yakovlevich leads a secretive lifestyle. The facts of childhood, adolescence and personal life of the scientist are known from the words of neighbors, school teachers and classmates, colleagues who worked together with the mathematician.

Perelman was born on June 13, 1966 in Leningrad. The surname of the brilliant mathematician speaks for itself about nationality. From childhood, the Jewish boy showed incredible abilities and interest in learning. At the time when peers were playing the ball in the yard, little Grisha preferred to read books and play chess.

Contrary to popular belief, Yakov Isidorovich Perelman, a famous scientist, author of books and popularizer of sciences, is not a relative of Grigory Yakovlevich.

Gregory's father is an electrical engineer. In 1993, Perelman Sr. immigrated to his historical homeland in Israel, like thousands of his compatriots in the 90s. The mother of the future outstanding mathematician stayed with the children in Leningrad, taught mathematics at the school.

Grigory Yakovlevich has a younger sister who has built a scientific career. After receiving a degree in mathematics at St. Petersburg University, the woman later left for Sweden. Since 2007 he has been working as a programmer in Stockholm.

By the time the boy went to school, he significantly surpassed his classmates in knowledge, easily counted three-digit numbers in his mind. Perelman's teachers recall that the student conducted conversations on an equal footing with adults.

The magic of logic and numbers attracted Grigory Yakovlevich. From the 5th grade, the boy attended the math center at the Palace of Pioneers. The mentor of the young prodigies was an associate professor at the Sergei Rukshin Pedagogical University. Young Grisha received awards for participating in the Olympiads, including the highest score at the International Mathematical Olympiad.

After graduating from a nine-year school in an ordinary Leningrad school, the graduate moved to a specialized physics and mathematics school number 239. Without a doubt, the hardworking and talented Perelman studied perfectly. Failed physical training. Failure to pass the TRP standards prevented the graduate from receiving a gold medal.

It is not surprising that after school, Grigory was admitted to the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics at Leningrad State University without entrance exams. At the university, Perelman continued to shine at the Olympiads, and received the Lenin Prize for excellent learning outcomes.

The science

After graduation, postgraduate studies followed, then doctoral defense. As a result, the gifted scientist stayed to work at the university that became his hometown as a senior researcher.

In the early 90s, the talented scientist went to the United States, where he visited several universities as part of the exchange of experience. In the United States, the mathematician gave lectures, met with colleagues. Soon the ascetic Perelman got bored with America, and the scientist returned to his homeland.

Having resumed his work at the Leningrad university, the mathematician begins to work hard on the mystery of the millennium, which the brilliant scientists of the century could not solve. It is worth noting that Perelman's fascination with topology had begun a few years earlier. Earlier, the mathematician was able to prove the hypothesis of the soul, which preceded the study of the Poincaré hypothesis.

The meaning of the proof of the hypothesis, however, like the very essence, cannot be described simple languageunderstandable for a person who is far from higher mathematics. The discoveries made by the mathematician are of great importance in the study of the Universe, in the work with nanotechnology.

In addition, the hypothesis states that the singularity of the shape of the Universe leads to the fact that it can be pulled into one point. This, in turn, indirectly confirms the Big Bang theory. Supporters of the theological origin of the Universe have received reason to doubt about God as the creator of everything. Poincaré's hypothesis proves that there is no God.

In 2002-2003, Perelman published articles that reveal the essence of the evidence. Three independent groups of mathematicians, having verified the arguments, confirmed the complete proof.

In 2003, Perelman visited the United States, lectured on his own discovery, and shared his experience with compatriots. And in 2005, the scientist unexpectedly leaves the department and locks himself in an apartment in Kupchino, where he lives with his sick mother.

Personal life

The reclusive lifestyle leaves hundreds of questions. The main one that interests journalists and citizens is the reason why Grigory Perelman refused the money that rightfully belongs to him. This is the Clay Institute Prize. The Mathematical Institute has compiled a list of seven riddles that are eligible for a million dollar reward. Poincaré's hypothesis was included in this list.

Of course, having learned about the discovery of a Russian scientist, the founders immediately turned to the scientist. Imagine the general surprise when the mathematician refused a million dollars without giving any reason.

Soon, Grigory Yakovlevich stopped communicating with the press altogether. He simply ignores Russian journalists, and refuses to interview foreign ones. News of such behavior of the scientist led to rumors about Perelman's illness. The genius was claimed to be autistic. However, reliable confirmation or conclusions of doctors have not yet been made public.

It is known that the scientist lives with his mother, who is seriously ill. The mathematician has no wife. According to the stories of the teacher Grigory Yakovlevich, who maintains a relationship with him, mother and son live in poverty.

In 2018, information appeared that the mathematician had moved to Sweden. However, sources in the person of neighbors and shop assistants denied the rumors and confirmed that Perelman had not gone anywhere.

• While working in the States, the scientist surprised his foreign colleagues with his simplicity and detachment from everyday needs. The mathematician's favorite food was cheese sandwiches, which Grigory Yakovlevich drank with kefir or milk. Restaurants and an abundance of grocery stores did not interest the "strange Russian".

• As a child, Grigory was fond of music. Mother instilled in her son adoration of classical composers. She, being a talented violinist, introduced Grisha to the instrument. Perelman attended a music school with pleasure, and then he faced a difficult choice - to enter the conservatory or to devote himself to the exact sciences.
• Conspiracy theorists have said that Perelman is the most influential person on earth because he knows how to rule the universe. Of course, such a person did not escape the attention of the secret services, and communication with others is prohibited for the scientist.

Quotes

I know how to run the universe. And tell me - why should I run after a million?

The whole world is permeated with emptiness, and it obeys formulas - this gives us unlimited possibilities.

If you can train your arms and legs, then why can't you train your brain?

There is, perhaps, no unsolvable problem. Difficult to solve. That's more accurate.

Remember the biblical legend about how Jesus Christ walked on water, like dry land? So I had to calculate how fast he had to move through the waters so as not to fall through.

Awards and prizes

• 1991 - Prize "Young Mathematician" of the St. Petersburg Mathematical Society
• 1996 - Prize of the European Mathematical Society for Young Mathematicians
• 2006 - Fields Medal Award
• 2010 - Clay Mathematical Institute Prize