Physicists often think in solitude, visualizing concepts and equations.
Einstein visualized physics through imagery; he was inspired by simple things, such as a compass.
His desire was to reduce the laws of physics to a single mathematical equation, encapsulating the universe's beauty and power.
Early Life and Education
In 1900, 21-year-old Einstein was a student at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic.
He was not recognized as a genius by professors, often cut classes, and struggled to find a job after graduation.
Einstein briefly considered switching careers to sell insurance.
He experienced deep feelings of failure and disgrace in his early career.
Career Beginnings
After his father's death, Einstein took a job as a patent clerk in Bern, Switzerland, in 1902.
The job involved reviewing patent applications, which honed his analytical skills and allowed him time to contemplate physics.
Daydreaming about riding alongside a light beam led to revolutionary ideas in physics.
Miracle Year (1905)
In 1905, Einstein published four groundbreaking papers:
Photoelectric Effect: Proposed that light consists of particles (photons).
Brownian Motion: Provided evidence for the existence of atoms.
E=mc²: Established that energy and mass are interchangeable.
Special Theory of Relativity: Introduced the idea that time and space are interconnected, forming a flexible fabric of spacetime.
Development of General Theory of Relativity
Einstein realized that special relativity only applied to constant speeds and failed to address acceleration and gravity.
He aimed to expand his theories to include gravity, challenging the established views of Isaac Newton.
He envisioned a revolutionary concept: gravity is not a force but a curvature of space caused by mass.
Struggles and Personal Life
Einstein's theories faced skepticism; he was initially isolated and rejected by the scientific community.
His marriage to Mileva Maric was strained; she contributed to his early work but became a housewife.
The couple eventually divorced, influenced by Einstein's growing fame and personal conflicts.
Eclipse Expeditions and Validation of Theories
Einstein needed proof for his theories and called for observations during solar eclipses.
After initial failures to capture the required images, Eddington’s expedition in 1919 successfully measured the bending of light around the sun's mass, supporting Einstein's theory of general relativity.
Public Recognition and Scientific Backlash
After Eddington's observations, Einstein became a public figure and a symbol of scientific advancement.
Despite initial acclaim, his theories continued to face scrutiny and skepticism.
Ultimately, he won the Nobel Prize in 1921 not for relativity, but for the photoelectric effect, solidifying his financial stability after his divorce.
Legacy
Einstein's work laid the groundwork for modern physics, influencing the understanding of phenomena such as black holes, neutron stars, and the Big Bang.
His life story exemplifies the triumph of intellect over adversity, inspiring future generations.
Einstein passed away in 1955, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate the world.