China’s Math Prodigy Wei Dongyi Gains Internet Fame for Frugal Lifestyle
Wei Dongyi, a 33-year-old mathematics prodigy from Peking University, has captured online attention not just for his intellectual prowess but for his remarkably frugal lifestyle. Known for his exceptional talent in mathematics, Wei achieved perfection at two consecutive International Mathematical Olympiads and bypassed China’s rigorous gaokao exam to teach at one of the nation’s top universities.
Remarkably, Wei lives on just 300 yuan (approximately $40) per month, shunning material excesses. He refrains from shopping, rarely goes out, and spends much of his time listening to the radio. Recently, a four-second video of him on Douyin, where he introduced himself in a shy and awkward manner, garnered millions of views, showcasing his unpretentious demeanor.
Wei first gained notoriety in 2021 for being labeled “the ugliest teacher at Peking University,” a harsh moniker stemming from a prior video featuring him with disheveled hair and a simple meal of steam buns. Despite the negative comments, many found his humble disposition refreshing, turning him into a cult figure celebrated for his authenticity.
Though Wei earns an impressive annual salary of around $85,000, he intentionally chooses to live a life devoid of luxury. His priorities center exclusively around mathematics. In a recent instance, he aided PhD students in solving a complex problem, opting to decline any monetary compensation for his assistance, stating, “It’s unnecessary to pay me for such an easy problem."
In a society often focused on status and self-promotion, Wei’s commitment to a minimalist lifestyle and his pure passion for numbers resonate with many, prompting one online supporter to plead, “Just let him be."
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