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For clarity, "unconventional" here refers to "not following the social norm or not complying with what's accepted by most people." Among mathematicians, "unconventional" ones may:

  • scarcely publish unless forced (Newton,…)

  • make almost no public appearances (at conferences, seminars...)

  • stay out of the lime light, turn down awards

  • live a rigid life, (eat few kinds of food, barely change clothes, no vacation, go to (if any) only few places)

The above list may be argumentative and what I consider unorthodox might be quite normal for another. But taking this list as a springboard, can you give me examples of mathematicians, what makes them tick and any good lessons to be learned from their actions? (Please keep everything positive and one mathematician per answer)

Thank you!

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 Commenting on other people's excentricities is clearly not appropriate for MO. – JBL Jul 25 2010 at 14:03
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 "MathOverflow's primary goal is for users to ask and answer research level math questions, the sorts of questions you come across when you're writing or reading articles or graduate level books." Please read the FAQ. – Ryan Budney Jul 25 2010 at 14:03
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 If there is something to be learned from eccentric mathematicians is their mathematics, not their eccentricities. – Franklin Jul 25 2010 at 14:11
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 That's not a lesson, it's a semi-historical observation from which many possible lessons could be drawn. Franklin's comment goes right to the point. – JBL Jul 25 2010 at 14:25
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 "Unconventional Essays on the Nature of Mathematics"...discusses topics of your taste. Google the title. Think positively, these people are not driving you to become unconventional yourself by closing it, it was just off topic. – To be cont'd Jul 25 2010 at 16:23
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closed as off topic by Ryan Budney, Harald Hanche-Olsen, José Figueroa-O'Farrill, Pete L. Clark, Robin Chapman Jul 25 2010 at 14:21

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