While I too was using Tao as a reference class, it’s not the only reason for mentioning him. I simply expect that people with IQs that ridiculously high are simply better suited to tackling novel topics, and I do mean novel, building a field from scratch, ideally with mathematical precision.
All the more if they have a proven track record, especially in mathematics, and I suspect that if Tao could be convinced to work on the problem, he would have genuinely significant insight. That and a cheerleader effect, which wouldn’t be necessary in an ideal world, but that’s hardly the one we live in is it?
While I too was using Tao as a reference class, it’s not the only reason for mentioning him. I simply expect that people with IQs that ridiculously high are simply better suited to tackling novel topics, and I do mean novel, building a field from scratch, ideally with mathematical precision.
All the more if they have a proven track record, especially in mathematics, and I suspect that if Tao could be convinced to work on the problem, he would have genuinely significant insight. That and a cheerleader effect, which wouldn’t be necessary in an ideal world, but that’s hardly the one we live in is it?