Mathematicians are grappling with a rapid and unsettling change as AI cracks century-old problems, leaving them in awe and dread. The latest breakthrough is the resolution of the Jacobian conjecture, a problem that had stumped mathematicians since 1939. AI's progress in solving unsolved mathematics has accelerated since mid-2025, with models solving problems at the International Mathematical Olympiad and disproving long-standing conjectures. This raises questions about the future of pure mathematics and the role of human mathematicians. While AI can solve problems, it currently lacks the ability to create rigorous proofs, which are essential for understanding and building mathematical knowledge. The challenge lies in AI's ability to bridge gaps with plausible-sounding filler, as it risks no reputation by being wrong. This raises concerns about the future of mathematical professionalization and the role of human mathematicians. The AI industry treats reasoning and understanding as commercially worthless, and human mathematicians as a beta version of intelligence. However, some argue that the democratization of mathematics through AI could lead to a return to the age of the gentleman scientist, where curiosity-driven research is funded by the wealthy. The key to keeping humans in the mathematical loop may lie in AI's ability to ask the right questions, which requires a deep understanding of the field and the ability to pose meaningful and insightful questions. As AI continues to advance, mathematicians must adapt and find new ways to contribute to the field, ensuring that their expertise and creativity remain valuable in a rapidly changing landscape.
