The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.
― Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science.
Biography[]
Albert Einstein was a German-born physicist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. He was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany, to Jewish parents Hermann and Pauline Einstein. His father was an engineer and salesman, and his mother was a pianist.
Einstein showed an early interest in mathematics and science, and he excelled in these subjects in school. However, he was a rebellious student who often clashed with his teachers and struggled with the strict discipline of the German education system.
In 1895, Einstein applied to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, but he failed the entrance exam. He spent the next year studying at a Swiss school and then retook the exam and was admitted to the institute in 1896. He graduated in 1900 with a degree in physics and mathematics.
After graduation, Einstein struggled to find a job in academia, and he worked as a patent clerk in Bern, Switzerland, for several years. During this time, he began to develop his revolutionary theories about the nature of space, time, and gravity.
In 1905, Einstein published a series of papers that would change the course of physics. These papers included his theory of special relativity, which showed that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion relative to one another, and his famous equation E=mc², which showed that mass and energy are interchangeable.
In 1915, Einstein published his theory of general relativity, which showed that gravity is not a force but a curvature of space and time caused by the presence of mass and energy. This theory revolutionized our understanding of the universe and paved the way for modern cosmology.
Einstein became a celebrity in the scientific world, and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his work on theoretical physics. He continued to work on his theories and became an outspoken advocate for pacifism and civil rights.
In 1933, Einstein emigrated to the United States to escape the rise of Nazism in Germany. He settled in Princeton, New Jersey, and became a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study. He continued to work on his theories and became a vocal critic of the nuclear arms race.
Einstein died on April 18, 1955, at the age of 76. His contributions to physics and our understanding of the universe continue to inspire scientists and thinkers around the world.
Trivia[]
- Albert Einstein became the subject of a "Stereotypical Genius" Figure in Culture.
- His brain was stolen by Thomas Stoltz Harvey after his death and put pieces of his lobes in a Jar.