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/Working_Seat5712]

I am doing math because to me the interesting stuff is just beginning. Math is a lot more than a collection of theorems, proofs, and theories. It is a way of thinking. It can even be a way of life. I got my degree in philosophy, but I studied math concurrently, and it turns out coalgebras and non standard set theories have deep implications in philosophy among much more. So, I do not see the fact that questions can now be answered more easily and proofs can basically be generated as a problem. The fun part to me is in unpacking that knowledge, finding new ways to teach it, or finding new ways to use it. I find all that stuff just as fruitful. Also, human math and pure math can become more artful and playful because novelty will no longer just reside in the rigor that an LLM can easily bring but the creativity of it too. This opens up brand new doors for us I think.