This is an interesting question that shouldn't be down voted like it's being. From how the article is written (although admittedly I only skimmed it), it seems

This is an interesting question that shouldn't be down voted like it's being. From how the article is written (although admittedly I only skimmed it), it seems imprisonment didn't have a huge effect on his motivation to solve the problem. While I can't say I'd be as chipper after being jailed for a year, I can certainly understand the allure of attacking a hard problem with tenacity. He may have also separated the party from the people he interacted with everyday. In fact, I'd imagine being imprisoned built a lot of comradory with his fellow inmates. (Would love for someone else more knowledgeable to chime in, I just wanted to start the conversation)