Derek Thompson · 2026-10-15 · notable
Derek Thompson — why mathematicians grieve OpenAI's proofs
Derek Thompson argues that mathematicians' grief over OpenAI's published proofs is about losing their place in a shared conversation, not wounded pride. He quotes Fields medalist Hugo Duminil-Copin and Steven Strogatz.
Thompson says AI can do the craft of math but is cutting humans out of its centuries-old conversation.
What is it?
"I know why the mathematicians weep" is an essay by writer Derek Thompson, published on 15 October 2026, about how mathematicians are reacting to the hundreds of math findings OpenAI has published in recent months. It quotes 2022 Fields Medal winner Hugo Duminil-Copin: "They have annihilated my field of research."
How does it work?
Thompson argues that science is both a craft and a conversation. He says AI systems succeed at the craft of finding proofs but break into the conversation between generations of mathematicians, and he uses Cornell's Steven Strogatz, who describes "enormous grief", and Archimedes' letter to Eratosthenes to make the point.
Why does it matter?
The essay is one of the most discussed takes on AI-generated mathematics so far, with 325 points and over 500 comments on Hacker News. It closes by asking whether math should be treated mainly as a quest for answers or as a human conversation where feelings matter.
Who is it for?
mathematicians and anyone following AI's impact on research