Doing mathematics is a very unique process, that puzzles non-mathematicians. All PhD students or professional mathematicians regularly hear things like "What? There are still theorems to prove? In 2015?" or "You're mathematician? So... what do you exactly do?".
I am looking about writings that describes the process, at the down-to-earth (dailylife of a mathematician) and emotionally level. Technical process, that is what is a proof or how one work comes to be published is interesting, but is not my main interest. Birth of a theorem by Cedric Villani, is a nice example.
Could you advice me some other readings on that topic?
More details about what I would like to read (though any suggestion is welcome):
- I would prefer short stories or novellas rather than long novels. I found Villani 's point of view quite elitist, so I wish to hear about other part of the spectrum on how mathematicians think about their art.
- It doesn't need to be a historical account about famous theorems, or stories by famous mathematicians. It doesn't matter if it is the story of a mathematical success or a failure.
- It has to be a real story (since I am mostly interested on the emotional, intimate process), or at least a fictional story closely based on real elements (for example, a mathematician that changes elements of a real story to hide his identity).
- Available in French, English or Spanish.
