A recent photograph captured by a Russian blogger in the St. Petersburg metro showed Perelman with an unkempt appearance—disheveled hair, a scruffy beard, and worn-out shoes—an image that could lead to misidentification. ​Perelman was formally awarded the $1 million Millennium Prize by the Clay Mathematics Institute for his solution; however, he famously declined the reward. He stated his reasoning simply: "If the solution is correct, no further recognition is necessary." To date, the Poincaré conjecture remains the only solved Millennium Prize Problem. ​Despite his status as one of the most significant mathematicians of our era, Perelman has withdrawn from the scientific community and severed contact with his colleagues, opting for a life of reclusion. His narrative serves as a powerful testament that monumental scientific achievements are often accompanied by profound solitude. ​Interestingly, in St. Petersburg, a counter-cultural movement has emerged, with young people wearing T-shirts featuring his image and the message: "You can't buy everything." By rejecting conventional societal norms and the expectations of the academic world, Perelman achieved unparalleled success while steadfastly maintaining a life of simplicity.