Richard Borcherds

Richard Borcherds, a renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist, dives into fascinating mathematical realms, from the Monstrous Moonshine conjecture to the mysterious connections between the monster group and string theory. He shares insights about the joys and challenges of self-studying, discussing the importance of pursuing problems that ignite passion. The conversation also explores his creative process, the balancing act of productivity in research, and the complexities of teaching mathematics in today's digital landscape.