When we think back on Newton or Einstein, we don't say 'he won an Nobel and pocketed a cool million'. We remember them for their results, which changed the way humanity sees the world. Granted, if it was me I probably wouldn't have declined, but then, I wouldn't have found the proof either. In 40 years nobody will remember all this circus around medals, awards, and money, just his result, which is the way he wants it. Feynman also cursed the day he received the Nobel and wished these awards bodies were more discrete and privately gave an opportunity to decline without all the publicity circus.

I hope he is secretly at work doing what he does best, away from all these distractions.