To have read about Einstein as a man, and not merely a scientist, was most riveting.
Possibly one of the most popular scientists of our time. Most notable of his traits were his humility, compassion, independent thinking, introversion, pacifism, disdain for bourgeois consumption or ostentatious wealth, and a desire for social equality.
While his theories of special and general relativity will continue to elude me, one can still marvel at his thought making process.
Pivotal Encounters
I found it pivotal that Einstein met Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi and Jost Winteller, at a young age, who believed in encouraging students to visualize images. He also thought it important to nurture the “inner dignity” and individuality of each child. Jost Winteller gave Einstein the wings to take flight on a prosperous career.
Another fortunate encounter is with Marcel Grossman who lent Einstein, his maths notes while they were at Zurich Polytechnic and also offered him his first job. He later on provided the necessary Maths that Einstein needed to turn the special theory of relativity into a general theory.
Einstein's reading group, the Olympia academy, largely helped in shaping his thoughts towards the theories on relativity. They mostly read books that explored the intersection of science and philosophy.
Granted, Einstein's individual brilliance is something you see may be only once or twice in a century, but his story encompasses many more characters than popular account. Particularly, his life with Mileva Maric who mothered two of his children. Due to her first pregnancy, she found herself resigned to giving up her dream of being a scientific scholar. History continues to pay little regard to women who make it possible for men to pursue worthy careers.
While Einstein met Hendrik Lorentz quite later in his life, Lorentz influence on him was still very profound. He was the one father figure in Einstein's life. During Lorentz funeral Einstein mentioned with great sadness: "Whatever came from this supreme mind was as lucid and beautiful as a good work of art. He meant more to me personally than anybody else I have met in my lifetime."
It is also worth mentioning, the encounter between Niels Bohr and Einstein. To quote the social philosopher C. P. Snow: "No more profound intellectual debate has ever been conducted.”
Another important woman in Einstein's life, Helen Dukas, was one who was completely discreet, protective, loyal, and not threatening to Elsa. Helen Dukas came to work as Einstein’s secretary in 1928, when he was confined to bed with an inflamed heart. To quote George Dyson: "Her instincts were as infallible and straightforward as a magnetic compass. Although she could display a pleasant smile and lively directness with those she liked, she was generally austere, hard-boiled, and at times quite prickly."
During a later part of his life, Einstein became a closer friend, and a walking partner of the intensely introverted Kurt Gödel, a German-speaking mathematical logician from Brno and Vienna. Gödel wonderfully deliberated on the possibility of time travel basing on Einstein's theory of relativity.
Other significant events
It is also worth noting Einstein's role in the events that led up to the Manhattan Project and ultimately the construction of the atomic bomb. Einstein had contended that the only way to prevent an arms race of atomic weaponry was to bring about an internationalization of military power.
As a Jew who had grown up in Germany, Einstein was acutely sensitive racial discrimination. “The more I feel an American, the more this situation pains me,” he wrote in an essay called “The Negro Question” for Pageant magazine. “I can escape the feeling of complicity in it only by speaking out.”
It was interesting to note that Einstein was once offered a position as President of Israel. He was “deeply moved” by the offer, Einstein said in his prepared response, and “at once saddened and ashamed” that he would not accept it. “All my life I have dealt with objective matters, hence I lack both the natural aptitude and the experience to deal properly with people and to exercise official function,” he explained.
Conclusion
To imagine that Einstein accomplished what he did, in a world before the internet, leaves me in overwhelming awe. I have developed great admiration for the life he lived, and I dare say that it was a FULL life.
Notable Quotes
“Out yonder there was this huge world, which exists independently of us human beings and which stands before us like a great, eternal riddle.”
“A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth.”
“The Jew who abandons his faith,” he once said, “is in a similar position to a snail that abandons his shell. He is still a snail.”
“I do not believe that the structure of the human brain is to be blamed for the fact that man cannot grasp infinity”
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
This item: Einstein: His Life and Universe
$12.64
Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 27
In Stock
+
$11.55
Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 27
In Stock
+
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
More items to explore
Page 1 of 1 Start over
Popular Highlights in this book
“The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think,”Highlighted by 2,071 Kindle readers- “A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth.”Highlighted by 2,030 Kindle readers
- “Blind respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”Highlighted by 1,184 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
About the author
"Knowledge is limited; imagination encircles the world." Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein's General Relativity and Unified Field Theories, along with many other theories, were not accomplished through a telescope or in a laboratory. That's where they were proven to be correct. His greatest discoveries were simply thought experiments. He figured these out in his head. His major theories are explained in layman's terms so that even I understood them. This biography consists of two parts: Einstein's professional life as a theoretical physicist and his family life as a husband, father and Jew, both of which are fascinating. I came away from the book realizing Albert Einstein was an ordinary man like you and me who endured many hardships. He possessed a warm heart and was looking out for the entire human race.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2017
Top reviews from other countries
-
Hildegunst von MythenmetzReviewed in Germany on November 10, 2024
Alle Seiten da. Buchstaben in lesbarer Reihenfolge amgeordnet.
- Jorge Velazquez PagolaReviewed in Mexico on June 26, 2020
Relativity for everyone
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase -
rcavestaReviewed in Spain on November 10, 2018
Interesantísimo como vivió el genio los devenires del siglo XX
