A mathematical genius in China known as “God Wei” has become widely known for his exceptional academic talent and remarkably simple, austere lifestyle.
Wei Dongyi, 33, from Shandong province in eastern China, showed a remarkable passion and talent for mathematics early in life, influenced by his father, a college professor in the subject.
During his secondary school years, Wei took part in the 49th and 50th International Mathematical Olympiads, achieving perfect scores and consecutive international gold medals.
His secondary school teacher Zhang Yonghua told Qilu Evening News: “Compared to other competition participants, Wei’s love for mathematics borders on obsession.”
Wei has created problem-solving methods which are often more concise than standard solutions.
He even devised the “Wei Dongyi Inequalities” system to solve problems in fluid mechanics at the age of 18, according to NetEase News.
Wei’s exceptional maths skills led to his admission to Peking University without taking the gaokao, or national university entrance examination, where he went on to become an assistant professor in the mathematics department after earning his PhD degree.
He also received China’s prestigious Damo Academy Young Fellow Award, which came with prize money of one million yuan (US$140,000).
However, Wei did not attend the award ceremony and turned down the cash, according to Sina News.
A 2021 video interview with mainland media attracted widespread attention as he appeared disheveled, wearing worn-out clothes, holding a mineral water bottle and carrying three steamed buns in a plastic bag.
Despite his annual income exceeding 600,000 yuan (US$83,000), his monthly expenses in Beijing are reported to be less than 300 yuan.
Wei’s unkempt appearance and lifestyle sharply contrast with his astonishing mathematical talent, earning him the nickname “Sweeping Monk” as well as “God Wei” on mainland social media.
In the world of Chinese martial arts, the sweeping monk characterises a holy man secluded within a temple, entrusted with the humble task of sweeping floors, yet secretly possessing formidable martial arts prowess.
In recent years, however, many mainland media outlets have exaggerated Wei’s brilliance, excessively mythologising his achievements.
In 2022, Wei reportedly solved a mathematical problem that had troubled a team of six PhD students for four months in just one night.
Discussions also circulated on Weibo that he had declined an invitation to pursue a PhD degree at Harvard University.
In May of the same year, during an interview with China’s official media South Reviews, Wei debunked the claims.
“There was no invitation from Harvard, nor was there a team of PhDs asking for my help,” he said.
Wei told South Reviews that aside from teaching and studying mathematics, he does not enjoy going online but prefers listening to the radio.
He said he does not care about external comments and hopes not to be overly scrutinised or disturbed by the outside world.
One online observer wrote on Weibo: “His world consists only of numbers and formulas. For him, the internet, media, money, and appearances are all unimportant. This is a rare purity.”
