The Story of Albert Einstein

Introduction

• Focus on improving English skills while learning about Albert Einstein
• Highlighting persistence and curiosity that lead to greatness

Early Life

• Birth: March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany
• Parents: Herman Einstein (businessman) and Pauline Koch (homemaker)
• Childhood Characteristics:
  • Quiet child, spoke late (almost 3 years old)
  • Observant and thoughtful
• Gift of a Compass:
  • Sparked curiosity about unseen forces in the world

School Challenges

• Dislike of strict teaching methods
• Struggled with languages but excelled in mathematics
  • Described math as the "language of the universe"
• Encouraged by family, especially in music (violin)
• Developed a love for reading and science

Turning Points

• At 15: Father’s business failed, moved to Italy while Albert stayed in Germany
• Left school early to study independently, faced criticism
• First Scientific Paper: At 16, showed potential despite not finishing school
• Applied to Swiss Federal Polytechnic School but failed entrance exam

Persistence in Education

• Improved weak areas and took entrance exam again at 17; passed
• Studied mathematics and physics but struggled with non-science subjects
• Developed a close relationship with Meva Maric, shared passion for science

Career Beginnings

• Graduation: 1900, degree in physics
• Faced multiple job rejections, worked as a clerk in a patent office
  • Called it his "thinking lab"
  • Used free time to develop scientific ideas

Turning Point in Career

• 1905: "Annus Mirabilis" or Miracle Year
  • Published groundbreaking papers:
    1. Photoelectric Effect (Nobel Prize later)
    2. Brownian Motion
    3. Special Theory of Relativity (E=mc²)
• Gained recognition and teaching positions after 1905

Personal Life and Challenges

• Married Meva in 1903; had a son named Hans
• Faced financial struggles; continued pursuing scientific passion
• Divorce: 1919 due to pressures of fame and past struggles

Scientific Breakthroughs

• General Theory of Relativity confirmed in 1919 by British scientists
• Became a global icon, faced challenges as a Jewish scientist

Advocacy and Later Life

• Used fame for peace advocacy during WWI and stood against war
• Fled to the U.S. in 1933 due to Nazi regime
• Became an American citizen in 1940

Later Years and Legacy

• Spent life at the Institute for Advanced Study, focused on theoretical physics
• Advocated for nuclear disarmament after WWII
• Continued questioning the universe, worked until his health declined
• Death: April 18, 1955, at 76

Key Lessons from Einstein's Life

1. Struggles shape greatness
2. Curiosity drives progress
3. Humility is powerful
4. True greatness lies in simplicity
5. Passion and persistence can challenge the impossible

Conclusion

• Einstein's story is a powerful example of perseverance, courage, and the belief that one person can change the world.