The phenomenon of a mathematical genius in public opinion

Public opinion in relation to science is a simplified understanding of events related to science. The phenomenon of a math genius in public opinion differs from genius estimating by expert community. The expert community estimates a genius by such criteria as pansophy and depth of understanding of scientific problems; originality of thought and creativity, a considerable contribution to science; independence and freedom of thought; influence on social and spiritual life of society; persistence in solving scientific problems. An exaggerated idea of a scientist’s concentration on solving a scientific problem; an aspiration to connect a scientist’s genius with the social environment; attention to appearance, behavior and actions of a scientist are typical for public opinion. The obvious example of this difference in estimating is an attitude of the society to the genius mathematician G. Perelman.