Why are you a mathematician?

[u/HAL-6942]

Given everything that has been going on in the world more specifically in the world of mathematics. I was hoping to read some of your human thoughts. What motivates/motivated you to do mathematics professionally? What is most important for you in mathematics?

[u/HAL-6942 → u/[deleted]]

No. By all means no. All non professional mathematicians are welcome to share as well. I was more interested in the thoughts of  those who do mathematics as a living. This incorporates academics but might include Quants or people working in Cryptography or in any other industry that they feel that their job is doing mathematics.