I study mathematics purely as a result of my curiosity and solely as a means to satisfying this curiosity. Whether my mathematical results are of any use is the least of my concerns.
I try to study hard problems, often without success but occasionally with great satisfaction. It is not worth wasting time on easier problems.
I do not distinguish between areas of mathematics. As far as I am concerned, there is good mathematics and there is bad mathematics. I am interested in the former and have no time for the latter.
Authors in any mathematical research publication must be listed in alphabetical order. This is a principle which every self-respecting mathematician adheres to all the time. Anyone who is not aware of this practice cannot possibly be a serious mathematician.
I enjoy collaboration with others who share the same values.
To me, the best mathematics is art and not science.
There are many other things in life that are far more important than mathematics to me. Even the best mathematics comes a poor second to my family, a good bottle of wine, an excellent meal with fine desserts, skiing, classical music or opera.