Introduction
Albert Einstein, one of the most renowned scientists of all time, was born in 1879 in Ulm, Germany, and passed away in 1955 in Princeton, USA. He is best known for his groundbreaking theories of Special Relativity (1905) and General Relativity (1915). Beyond his contributions to physics, Einstein became an iconic figure in the 20th century, with his distinctive wild white hair and a playful tongue sticking out in photographs. While he gained global fame and admiration, he also faced critics throughout his life.
Einstein’s Early Years
1. A Prodigy Emerges
Contrary to popular belief, Einstein was not a lackluster student. While one of his schoolteachers doubted his potential, it was due to his refusal to accept fixed ideas and his propensity for questioning everything. Einstein excelled in subjects such as Latin, geometry, mathematics, and even demonstrated his musical talents as a violin player. At the age of 16, he wrote his first scientific paper titled ‘The Investigation of the State of Aether in Magnetic Fields,’ showcasing his brilliance from an early age.
Friendship with Oppenheimer
2. Oppenheimer and Einstein
Einstein’s friendship with American scientist Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the “father of the atom bomb,” spanned decades. Contrary to popular belief, Einstein was not the driving force behind the atomic bomb. In fact, he sent a letter to US President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939, warning about the Nazi threat of developing an atomic bomb. However, Oppenheimer stated that the letter had minimal impact on the Manhattan Project’s creation, the American initiative to build the first atomic bomb. Einstein expressed regret over the letter, acknowledging the potentially catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons.
The Enigmatic Einstein
3. A Fling with Marilyn Monroe?
An intriguing myth surrounding Einstein is his alleged liaison with Marilyn Monroe. While there is no evidence of their meeting, actress Shelley Winters, who shared an apartment with Monroe in the 1940s, claimed that Monroe included Einstein’s name on a list of fantasy flings. Although Monroe admired Einstein’s intellect, her alleged affection may have been based on his reputation rather than any actual encounter.
The Philosopher-Scientist
4. Einstein’s Political Activism
While Einstein’s scientific contributions were substantial, he was also an active participant in the realm of politics. Living in Berlin during World War I, he openly expressed opposition to the conflict and encouraged Germans to protest and refuse conscription. Einstein equated nationalism to a disease, describing it as “the measles of mankind.” His commitment to political activism demonstrated the complex nature of his life, intertwined with equations and politics.
A Controversial Figure
5. Under FBI Surveillance
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) monitored Einstein and maintained an extensive file on him during the early 1930s due to his involvement in pacifism and left-leaning causes. J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI director, considered Einstein an “extreme radical” and unsuccessfully attempted to prevent his entry into the United States. Ultimately, the FBI’s file on Einstein amassed over 1,400 pages.
Final Years
6. Declining the Presidency of Israel
Towards the end of his life, Einstein was approached to become the second president of Israel after the death of Chaim Weizmann, the first president and co-founder of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. However, Einstein declined the invitation, stating that he lacked the necessary experience and natural aptitude for such a role.
7. 100 Authors Against Einstein
In 1931, a book titled “100 Authors Against Einstein” was published in Germany, attacking Einstein’s scientific theories. However, the publication was widely ridiculed by leading intellectuals as unscientific and embarrassing. In response, Einstein cleverly quipped that if he were wrong, a single author would have sufficed to disprove his theories.
8. Marriage to His Cousin
In 1919, Einstein married his second wife, Elsa Lowenthal. Elsa was his first cousin, and she had previously been married under the name Lowenthal before marrying Einstein. Their relationship exemplified the complexities and idiosyncrasies of Einstein’s personal life.
9. A Skeptic at a Séance
Despite his fame and intellectual pursuits, Einstein maintained a skepticism towards supernatural phenomena. In 1930, while in California, he attended a séance conducted by a medium named Nostradamus. Reportedly, the séance yielded no significant results, and Einstein remained unmoved by the experience.
10. Newton’s Enduring Legacy
Despite his revolutionary theories, Einstein believed that his work did not render Isaac Newton’s laws obsolete. He acknowledged Newton’s significant contributions, stating that “no one must think that Newton’s great creation can be overthrown in any real sense.” Einstein recognized Newton’s ideas as the foundation upon which modern physics was built.
Closing Thoughts
Albert Einstein’s life and contributions continue to fascinate and inspire generations of scientists, scholars, and thinkers. Beyond his scientific genius, his involvement in politics and his enigmatic personal life add layers of complexity to his legacy. Einstein’s journey reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge and the exploration of the universe require both intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
<< photo by The Phope >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
