ALBERT EINSTEIN: INCONSISTENT MAN OR CONSISTENT SCIENTIST

Einstein: Reasons for his popularity

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="215"] Prof. Albert Einstein[/caption]

Albert Einstein is recognised as the brightest scientist of the 20^thcentury. His simple theory of photo-electric effect broke ground for the later development of quantum physics, but he is more known for his theory of relativity. This, particularly the general theory of relativity, is more abstract and has nearly no direct consequence to everyday life and yet it got him unprecedented fame is a surprise. It probably has to do with his unusual personal looks and simplicity. Apart from science he got involved in socio political issues after 1915 and that may be another reason for his popularity.

 

COMMANDMENTS FROM CONSISTENT SCIENTIST:-

Einstein once defined marriage as ‘an invention by an unimaginative pig’. Look at what he desired from his wife,

“A. you will see to it that

1. My clothes and linen are kept in order


2. I am served three regular meals a day in my room


3. My bedroom and study are always kept in good order and my desk is never touched by anyone other than me.

“B. you will renounce all personal relations with me, except those that are required to keep up social appearances. In particular you will not request that

1. I sit with you at home


2. I go out with you to travel.

 

“C. you will promise explicitly to observe the following points

1. You will except no affection from me and not reproach me for this


2. You must answer at once when I speak to you


3. You must leave my bedroom or study at once without protesting when I ask you to go


4. You will promise not to denigrate me in the eyes of my children by words or by deeds.

 

No surprise that they seperated within months of this letter, he could not afford to waste time, as he was deeply into developing a ‘general theory of relativity’ in those days, the biggest of his contributions.