[ww520]

Pure math is interesting. The research topics are often out of the left field and have no bearing on any current application. How do people pick research topics that can't be seen useful for a long time?

Kudos to Zhang for his perseverance.

[valarauca1]

Its not so much about the solution being useful, its more about finding out if the solution exists. Its sort of a self challenge, like a mental marathon. Generally speaking there isn't much need for you to run 26 miles, let alone do it very fast.

But you do it, for the challenge, the learning, and to grow as a person. Because the finish line isn't why your running, your running because you like running.