Grigory Perelman, math genius, living in a tiny apartment in St. Petersburg, doesn't want that $1 million prize.

Please take the prize, Dr. Perelman.

The mathematician is reported to have said "I have all I want".... speaking through the closed door of his flat.

He also turned down the Fields Medal:

"I'm not interested in money or fame," he is quoted to have said at the time.

"I don't want to be on display like an animal in a zoo. I'm not a hero of mathematics. I'm not even that successful; that is why I don't want to have everybody looking at me."

He seems to be so wrong, but he is so much smarter than we are. Should we not absorb his opinion with awe and respect?