Fourty years have elapsed since Sobolev had left Novosibirsk for ever. At their prime years there are generations of scientists who never saw Sobolev. Few mathematicians know something about the persons whose names are associated with theorems, transformations, inequalities, or formulas. Ignorance is unavoidable and remains the fact that must be acknowledged. Inadmissible is the distortion of history alongside with speculating others' fame and constructing private hierarchies by references to the forgone masters of science.
Sobolev bequeathed to Siberian mathematicians his personal moral codex and communication principles. He was distinguished by such rare qualities as good manners, modesty, and respect to whosoever's gift. Sobolev could draw conclusions from his mistakes and illusions, but never transferred responsibility for to them to the others and never became neither self-conceited nor vindictive. He never started scandals, but stayed sensitive and smooth; i.e., he was such as must be a free and independent person.
Everyone's life is full of triumphs and tragedies. Sobolev made no exception, but deserves his own honorable place the the panteon of the Russian world.
We will recall him with gratitude.
September 21, 2023
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