The greatest problem for mathematicians now is probably the Riemann Hypothesis.

I tried to fit it in with some previous broad conceptual understanding of some part of mathematics that would clarify the particular problem I was thinking about.

But the best problem I ever found, I found in my local public library.

That particular odyssey is now over. My mind is now at rest.

Mathematics... is a bit like discovering oil. ... But mathematics has one great advantage over oil, in that no one has yet ... found a way that you can keep using the same oil forever.

I know it's a rare privilege, but if one can really tackle something in adult life that means that much to you, then it's more rewarding than anything I can imagine.

Pure mathematicians just love to try unsolved problems - they love a challenge.