Alexander Grothendieck

Date of Birth: March 28, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 13, 2014

Biography

Alexander Grothendieck was a French mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of algebraic geometry, homological algebra, and functional analysis. Born in Berlin, Germany, Grothendieck’s family moved frequently due to political instability and persecution during World War II. After the war, he settled in France, where he became a naturalized citizen. Grothendieck is best known for his work in algebraic geometry, where his innovative approaches and theories revolutionized the field. His contributions include the development of the theory of schemes, the concept of topos, and important advancements in category theory. He also played a crucial role in the formulation of the modern theory of motives. In the 1970s, Grothendieck gradually withdrew from the mathematical community and eventually retired to a secluded life in the Pyrenees. Despite his reclusiveness, his work continued to influence and inspire mathematicians worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Alexander Grothendieck

1. Alexander Grothendieck was awarded the Fields Medal in 1966, one of the highest honors in mathematics.

2. He was a key figure in the Bourbaki group, a collective of mathematicians aiming to reformulate mathematics on an extremely abstract and formal basis.

3. Grothendieck’s work laid the groundwork for modern algebraic geometry, changing the way mathematicians approach the subject.

4. He had a turbulent personal life, with his family being persecuted during the Nazi regime and his father dying in Auschwitz.

5. In his later years, Grothendieck wrote a memoir entitled “Récoltes et Semailles” (Reapings and Sowings), which provides insight into his mathematical philosophy and personal reflections.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alexander Grothendieck

1. “To define rigorously what is meant by ‘structure’ is a task both difficult and delicate.”

2. “The unknown is no longer terrifying or too difficult to approach, but a field for discovery.”

3. “The life of a mathematician is a long period of apprenticeship followed by a few years of glory.”

4. “I can illustrate my meaning by saying that the cohomology of a space is like a refined version of the fundamental group.”

5. “I think it’s impossible for a mathematician to be mature without having experienced the feeling of being ignorant.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Grothendieck was known for his ascetic lifestyle and did not focus on material wealth. Therefore, his net worth was relatively modest. At the peak of his career, he likely had a net worth of a few hundred thousand dollars, primarily from academic positions and awards.

Children

Alexander Grothendieck had five children. His relationships with them were complex, and his reclusive lifestyle in later years led to limited contact.