Introduction
Albert Einstein, born in 1879 in Ulm, Germany, and died in 1955 in Princeton, USA, was not only one of the most groundbreaking scientists of all time but also an icon of the 20th century. His theories of Special Relativity (1905) and General Relativity (1915) revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity. However, there is much more to Einstein than his scientific achievements. From his early life as a child prodigy to his activism and philosophical insights, Einstein’s legacy extends far beyond science. In this article, we will delve into ten fascinating facts that shed light on the life and character of this remarkable individual.
1. A Curious Mind from an Early Age
Contrary to popular belief, Einstein was not a discouraged student. Although one of his schoolteachers predicted he wouldn’t amount to anything, this was likely due to his tendency to question everything and refuse to accept fixed beliefs. Einstein wrote his first scientific paper, titled “The Investigation of the State of Aether in Magnetic Fields,” at the age of 16, showcasing his early inclination towards scientific inquiry.
2. Friendship with Robert Oppenheimer
Albert Einstein developed a deep friendship with American scientist Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the “father of the atom bomb.” Contrary to popular belief, Einstein was not the driving force behind the creation of the atomic bomb. In fact, he sent a letter to President Roosevelt in 1939, urging him to take action against Nazi Germany’s potential development of an atomic weapon. Oppenheimer later revealed that Einstein’s letter had minimal impact on the Manhattan Project, the American initiative to build an atomic bomb. Nonetheless, Einstein expressed regret at his role in advocating for the bomb’s development, highlighting his profound understanding of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons.
3. The Marilyn Monroe Connection
An intriguing rumor suggests that Albert Einstein had a fling with Marilyn Monroe. While there is no evidence to support this claim, actress Shelley Winters, who shared an apartment with Monroe, mentioned that Monroe had written Einstein’s name on a list of fantasy flings. Winters recalled that when she raised Einstein’s age as a potential hurdle, Monroe replied, “That has nothing to do with it. I hear he’s very healthy.” While the exact nature of their relationship remains uncertain, Monroe’s alleged admiration for Einstein’s intellect is plausible, given her passion for reading and her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller.
4. Political Activism
In addition to his scientific genius, Einstein actively engaged in politics and publicly opposed World War I while living in Berlin. He called nationalism “the measles of mankind” and encouraged Germans to protest the war and refuse conscription. Throughout his life, Einstein saw the interconnectedness of scientific and political thought, famously remarking that his life was “divided between politics and equations.”
5. Under the Scrutiny of the FBI
Albert Einstein’s activism and left-leaning causes caught the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI opened a large case file on Einstein in the early 1930s, amassing over 1,400 pages of information about his activities. FBI director J. Edgar Hoover considered Einstein an “extreme radical” and even attempted to prevent his entry into the United States. Einstein’s commitment to pacifism and social justice made him a subject of interest to intelligence agencies.
6. Declining the Presidency of Israel
In the twilight of his life, Albert Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel after the death of Chaim Weizmann. Einstein, who co-founded the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, declined the invitation, citing his lack of experience and natural aptitude for the role. Einstein’s Jewish heritage and his evasion of Nazi persecution reflect his connection to the Jewish community, but he felt unqualified to assume a political leadership role.
7. The Controversial Book: “100 Authors Against Einstein”
In 1931, a book titled “100 Authors Against Einstein” was published in Germany, challenging Einstein’s scientific theories. However, the book was widely criticized by leading intellectuals as unscientific and embarrassing. Einstein wittily responded to the book’s attack by stating that if he were wrong, one author would have been sufficient to refute his theories. This episode highlights the resilience and enduring significance of Einstein’s contributions to scientific understanding.
8. Unconventional Love: Marrying His Cousin
Albert Einstein’s personal life included an unconventional marriage to his second wife, Elsa Lowenthal. Elsa, who had been previously married, was also his first cousin. Despite societal norms and potential legal obstacles, Einstein’s intellectual connection with Elsa prevailed, leading to their marriage in 1919.
9. A Skeptic of the Supernatural
Despite his reputation as a brilliant mind, Albert Einstein remained skeptical of the supernatural. In 1930, while visiting California, Einstein attended a séance conducted by a medium claiming to be Nostradamus. According to testimonies, nothing extraordinary occurred during the séance, and Einstein maintained his skepticism towards paranormal phenomena. This incident underscores his commitment to empirical evidence and scientific rigor.
10. Newton’s Enduring Legacy
Contrary to popular belief, Albert Einstein’s theories did not render Isaac Newton’s work obsolete. Reflecting on the significance of Newton’s achievements, Einstein acknowledged that “no one must think that Newton’s great creation can be overthrown in any real sense by this [Theory of Relativity] or by any other theory.” Einstein’s recognition of Newton’s foundational contribution showcases his reverence for scientific predecessors and his humility as a scientist.
Conclusion
Albert Einstein’s life and legacy extend far beyond his scientific achievements. From his early days as a child prodigy to his political activism and philosophical insights, Einstein embodied curiosity, intellect, and a deep concern for humanity. Throughout his life, he reminded us to question and challenge established beliefs, to be engaged citizens, and to embrace the wonder of the universe. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of our time, we can draw inspiration from Einstein’s multidimensional brilliance and understanding of the interconnectedness of knowledge, politics, and human values.
<< photo by MART PRODUCTION >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
