> I have little sympathy, since I think it is a result of many decades of complacency when it comes to thinking about why want to people do what they do and instead just enjoying being the ones with the results and money.

It's not clear from your comment: Are you talking about math professors?

If so, what money? They make a living, but it's not that great. I just checked the salary of two associate professors at my university: $80-85K.

And keep in mind they often start their careers quite late. Often multiple postdocs after PhD. Starting a tenure track position in your mid 30's is not common.

> I'm more shocked that there are so many brilliant people who are so results-oriented and don't even have a concept of value outside of that. I'm kind of disgusted by the tears actually

The whole point of the article is that the person crying is because he loves the process and is worried the human connection will be gone.