1- Early Years
Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, in the Württemberg region of Germany. This small province held no memories for Albert, as the Einstein family moved to Munich the following year. After living there for a year, a sister of Einstein was born, and from then on, the house was silent of any more children. The head of the household, Hermann Einstein, was an optimistic and cheerful man. His mother, Pauline Koch, exhibited a keen sense of aesthetics alongside her diligent and delicate nature. She had a sense of humor and loved music.
Though of Jewish descent, the Einstein family lived as Germans, as their ancestors had established themselves in Germany long ago. The old Jewish customs had faded significantly, while their religion was something they always cherished. On Jewish holidays, the family would perform traditional rituals. Additionally, every Thursday, the Einstein family would invite a poor Jewish student to dinner and together they would discuss the teachings from the Bible.
Munich, the city where Albert Einstein spent his childhood, was the political and cultural center of southern Germany. Hermann had opened a small electrical workshop in this city. He had an experienced electrical engineer brother, and together they worked to exploit their resources: one managed business dealings while the other oversaw technical operations.
From the moment he was born, Albert was just like any other ordinary child. He was slow to speak, to the point where by the age of three, he was still babbling, leading his parents to believe he might be mute. Two or three years later, Albert remained a quiet child, withdrawn, and often avoided other children in the neighborhood. He had few friends and did not enjoy toys. Even the lead soldiers his father gifted him did not bring him joy, which was unusual in a country renowned for its formidable military and famous generals like Bismarck and von Moltke. Instead, he preferred to softly sing hymns while wandering alone in the fields. Einstein lived in a loving household, supported by his parents and a talented uncle, who introduced him to the first concepts of mathematics.
At that time in Germany, primary schools were not government-run but were managed by churches. Despite being Jewish, Hermann chose to send his son to a Christian primary school, perhaps hoping his child would grow up living as a German. Einstein progressed through primary school without ever feeling like an outsider. At school, Albert Einstein did not stand out academically. His withdrawn and contemplative nature made him the target of teasing from classmates, who labeled him a daydreamer.
At the age of 10, Albert Einstein graduated from primary school and entered the Gymnasium, a type of secondary school in Germany. The education of German youths from ages 10 to 18 was determined by the Gymnasium, which allowed them to progress to university or technical fields. At the secondary level, students were required to study extensively in Latin and Greek. The discipline was strict, with professors often authoritarian and distant from students. Living in such a restrictive environment made Albert uncomfortable. He once remarked, “In primary school, the teachers treated me like sergeants, while in secondary school, the professors acted like lieutenants.” This comparison evoked images of the army under King Wilhelm II, with sergeants being rude and brutal, while officers preferred authority and secrecy.
From a young age, Albert Einstein had a passion for learning about physics. He recalled that when he turned five, his father gifted him a compass. The needle always pointed in one direction, which intrigued and puzzled him. As he grew older, Einstein enjoyed reading various science books. A Jewish student who came for dinner on Thursdays encouraged him to read Aaron Bernstein’s “Popular Science.” This book expanded Einstein’s understanding of biology, botany, the universe, weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, and many other natural phenomena.
In mathematics, it was not the school that provided him with his first concepts, but rather his family and his uncle, who explained things to him much clearer than the professors at the Gymnasium. While the school used classical, rigid, and confusing methods, his uncle made solving problems enjoyable and straightforward through simple examples and innovative ideas.
At the age of 12, Albert Einstein was gifted a book on geometry. He delved into it, appreciating its clarity and concrete examples. This book taught him logical reasoning and how to present the order of mathematical problems. As a result, he excelled in mathematics compared to his peers. Having begun learning the violin at the age of six, Einstein grew increasingly fond of music and appreciated the clarity and elegance in Mozart’s compositions. By the age of 14, he participated in music performances, realizing he still had much to learn about violin technique.
Life in Germany became increasingly challenging. In 1894, Hermann had to sell his shop and move to Milan, Italy, to open a similar business. He left his son behind in Germany to finish secondary school, as this would allow him to attend university. Naturally inclined toward freedom, Albert felt suffocated living at the Gymnasium. The street scenes also contributed to his discomfort: every afternoon, as soldiers marched by, the sound of military drums attracted hundreds of children. German mothers often held their children to watch the young soldiers march by, and the dream of German children was to one day walk proudly like their older counterparts. In stark contrast to this common aspiration, Albert Einstein deeply disliked the military and war. Later in life, he remarked, “I have nothing but contempt for those who can joyfully march to the beat of a military drum; if they have a brain, they are utterly mistaken; a spinal cord is all they need.”
The rapidly developing industry in Germany caused people to almost forget about nature. Conversely, in Italy, the stunning landscapes and clear skies of the Mediterranean made Einstein believe it was a paradise on earth. Feeling painfully lonely, Albert considered dropping out of school to join his parents in Italy. Eventually, he sought a doctor and obtained a certificate stating he was neurotic and needed to rest in Italy for six months. Hermann was quite upset to learn that his son was quitting school to join him in Milan. Albert also informed his father of his intention to renounce his German citizenship because he had grown weary of the constraints of that country. However, life in Milan was not easy. Hermann had no immediate plans to settle there, and obtaining Italian citizenship for Albert might not be successful in the short term, potentially leaving Albert stateless. Hermann advised his son to wait.
Living in Italy was a joyous time for Einstein. He wandered through the streets, where the voices of music-loving people filled the air. He visited many museums and magnificent castles filled with art that captivated everyone. The enchanting scenery of Italy fostered a love for nature in its people. The locals did not work like machines, feared authority, or felt bound by artificial constraints; rather, everyone was open, cheerful, and genuine.
In Milan, the electrical profession did not bring wealth to the Einstein family. Hermann had to encourage his son to find a job to support himself. Albert figured that to continue his education, the best option was to apply for a scholarship at a school. Because he had not graduated from the Gymnasium, Albert was unable to apply for university, and given his strengths in mathematics, a technical school would suit him better.
2- Adulthood
During that period in Europe, apart from the technical schools in Germany, the Polytechnic School in Zurich was renowned. This school, located in Switzerland, a country with political neutrality in Europe, welcomed foreign students who could not pursue their studies in their home countries for political reasons. Thus, the number of foreign students at the Polytechnic was quite significant. To gain admission, students had to pass an entrance exam. Einstein applied to take the exam but failed: he lacked points in languages and natural sciences, although he excelled in mathematics. Indeed, Einstein’s understanding of mathematics surpassed that of his peers.
After failing his exams, Einstein began to worry. A dark vision emerged in his mind. His father’s struggle to make a living in Italy was also fraught with difficulties. Einstein blamed himself for impulsively moving to Italy and regretted his earlier education at the Gymnasium, which, although restrictive, had guaranteed his future. However, fortune smiled upon Albert when his outstanding math performance caught the attention of the Polytechnic School’s director. He advised Albert to enroll in a well-known school in Aarau. Einstein wondered if the school he would attend would be similar to those in Germany. The old image of the dormitory from his childhood made him fearful of the old lifestyle and hesitant before stepping into a new educational environment. Reluctantly, Einstein accepted the offer.
Upon arriving in Aarau, Einstein was greatly surprised: all his previous assumptions were completely wrong. This place bore no resemblance to the Gymnasium in Germany. The spirit of the teachers and students here was entirely different: there was no strict discipline, and professors carefully guided students to think independently and work on their own. The faculty were open-minded individuals, always engaging with students and providing sincere advice. The educational ethos here was aligned with democratic principles, and the learning methods were innovated to keep pace with progress. Students conducted experiments in Physics and Chemistry, witnessing machinery and scientific instruments firsthand. Other subjects were taught based on clear, concrete examples.
After a year of study in Aarau, Einstein graduated from high school and was admitted to the Polytechnic School in Zurich without any further exams. This technical school provided him with foundational knowledge in Physics and Mathematics. Additionally, during his free time, Einstein often delved into the scientific works of Helmholtz, Kirchhoff, Boltzmann, Maxwell, and Hertz.
The more he focused on reading Physics, the more Einstein felt the need for a high level of understanding in Mathematics. However, the few hours of math at school did not capture his attention, perhaps due to the teaching style of his math professor. Indeed, Professor Hermann Minkowski, a young but brilliant mathematician, failed to engage students with numbers. Nevertheless, the ideas regarding mathematical laws introduced by Minkowski seeped into Einstein’s mind and later contributed to his development in Physics.
In Italy, Hermann’s workshop provided only a small income, so Albert Einstein lived on a stipend from a relative. Each month, he received 100 Swiss francs. Although this amount was meager, Einstein had to save 20 francs, hoping that after graduation, he would have enough money to apply for Swiss citizenship. Due to this frugality, he endured a life of scarcity and knew nothing of luxury.
From a young age, Einstein had rarely played with neighborhood children, and even while living at university, he remained a reserved student. However, he did have close friends. He often interacted with Friedrich Adler, an Austrian whose father was a leader of the Social Democratic Party in Vienna, who wanted his son to stay away from politics, so he sent Adler to study in Zurich. Einstein also had a very close female friend: Mileva Maritsch, a Hungarian, who often exchanged academic work with him.
In 1901, Albert Einstein graduated from the Polytechnic School and became a Swiss citizen. For new graduates with a talent for Science, the dream was to secure a position assisting an experienced university professor to learn from his scientific research methods. Einstein shared this aspiration, but all his applications were rejected. Unable to find a job at the university, Einstein turned to applying for positions at secondary schools. Despite numerous enthusiastic recommendations and his background from the Polytechnic and Swiss citizenship, Einstein still could not secure employment. Could it be that people did not see him as a genuine citizen but merely as a paper citizen?
After waiting, a friend of Einstein introduced him to Mr. Haller, the director of the Patent Office in Bern. The office was in need of someone knowledgeable in scientific inventions, while Einstein had no technical experience. However, after a trial period, Einstein was accepted. His task was to review patents, which was not easy as inventors often struggled to describe their discoveries in a clear, orderly fashion.
Working at the Patent Office, Einstein earned 3,000 francs. This relatively comfortable living led him to consider marriage. Einstein married his old girlfriend, Mileva Maritsch, despite her being a few years older than him. Mileva was somewhat progressive but struggled to connect with those around her, causing Einstein’s family to be less than happy. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed two sons, the elder named Albert after his father. Einstein found happiness with his two charming children.
3- The Scientific Research Period
After several months in Bern, Albert Einstein realized that his work at the Patent Office was becoming easier, allowing him ample time to focus on Mathematics and Physics.
Although Einstein preferred a solitary lifestyle, he was not devoid of affection for those around him. His open-mindedness garnered him many friends. His humor and wit kept him lively and full of spirit. The smile on his face attracted attention from others. Anyone who lived close to Einstein would notice that his laughter brought joy, yet at times it also bore a hint of criticism. It seemed Einstein had a fondness for everyone, yet he refrained from becoming too close, fearing it would hinder his freedom. Perhaps his preference for solitude in devotion to Science distanced him from friends, even though he held feelings for all. Much later, in 1930, Einstein reflected on this emotional state: “Because I am passionate about justice and social duty, I have committed a curious and significant contradiction: I lack direct cooperation with people. I am a horse that rides its own reins.”
In Bern, aside from researching Mathematics and Physics, Einstein also devoted time to Philosophy. Several philosophers helped him grasp the fundamental principles of logical methodology. This methodology allowed scientists to translate direct observations into clear laws. David Hume, Ernst Mach, Henri Poincaré, and Emmanuel Kant were among these philosophers. Schopenhauer and Nietzsche caught Einstein’s attention as they expressed thoughts that were sometimes unnecessary or ambiguous through beautifully crafted prose that evoked feelings and prompted contemplation, akin to a musician appreciating rhythmic melodies. However, David Hume (1711-1776, English) remained Einstein’s favorite philosopher. Many know that this British philosopher initiated empirical logical methodology, and his presentation of reasoning was remarkably lucid and distinct.
Over five years, from 1901 to 1905, Einstein’s intellectual efforts bore fruit as he researched and established the laws linking time and space. One morning in June 1905, the editor of the journal Annalen der Physik in Munich received a disheveled young man in worn clothes. The young man presented the editor with a 30-page manuscript and requested its publication in the scientific journal.
Albert Einstein presented his “Theory of Relativity” in the physics journal Annalen der Physik. He discussed the correlation between energy and mass with the most famous equation in Science: E = MC2. In broad terms, this equation means that the energy of matter is equal to its mass multiplied by the square of the speed of light. According to this theory, if one knows a technical method, then with one kilogram of coal, gravel, or fat, one could extract an energy equivalent to 25 trillion kilowatt-hours of electrical energy, which was the total electricity produced by all power plants in the United States operating continuously for a month.
After Albert Einstein’s research paper was published in Europe, Henri Poincaré in France, Hendrik Lorentz in the Netherlands, Max Planck in Germany, and all the great scientific minds of that time were astonished and wrote letters asking the journal: – “Who wrote this article? Is he a university professor?” The journal replied: – “A young Jewish man, a German citizen, 26 years old, working at the Patent Office in Bern.”
Einstein’s research paper sparked curiosity and skepticism among many. At that time, few could measure the immense significance of Einstein’s theory, yet it revolutionized humanity’s understanding of the Universe. Henri Poincaré wrote about Albert Einstein: “Einstein is one of the extraordinary scientific minds I have ever seen. Faced with a physics problem, he was not satisfied with existing classical principles but explored all possible cases.”
It is quite remarkable that such a valuable piece of research was published by a mere clerk in the Patent Office. He was quickly invited to teach at the University of Zurich. It is well known that at universities, before becoming a full professor, one must first serve as a lecturer. Einstein accepted this position on the advice of Professor Kleiner.
The position of Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Zurich was vacant. Due to political issues, the university board invited Friedrich Adler, a lecturer, to take charge, but Adler declined, stating: “If someone like Einstein can be at our University, it is unreasonable to call on me. I admit that my level of understanding is insignificant compared to Einstein’s. We should not let political matters prevent us from inviting someone who can elevate the academic standards.” Therefore, in 1909, Einstein was appointed as an “Extraordinary Professor” at the University of Zurich.
Despite rising to a higher social status, Einstein remained calm and unpretentious. This new life, while financially better than before, still required his wife to host students to earn extra money. Faced with such material constraints, Einstein once joked: “In my Theory of Relativity, I placed many clocks throughout the Universe, but in reality, I find I can’t afford even one to put in my own room.” His time in Zurich was quiet, with the couple reminiscing about their student days and considering the city as a small but beloved homeland.
In 1910, the German University in Prague, Czech Republic, was in need of a theoretical physics professor. This was the oldest university in Central Europe. In the late 19th century, Czech and German professors taught together, but political disputes led the authorities to divide the university into two separate institutions in 1888: one German and one Czech. This division caused professors and students from both universities to cease communication and harbor animosity.
According to protocol, the university proposed candidates for the vacant position, while the Minister of Education appointed the selected individual. However, during this period, the choice largely fell to physicist Anton Lampa, who had contributed to modernizing educational methods. There were two capable candidates: Gustave Jaumann, a professor at the Brno Institute of Technology, and Albert Einstein. By convention, candidates were ranked based on their scientific research contributions, and since Einstein’s theory was widely recognized, he was placed above Jaumann. Ultimately, however, the Minister of Education appointed Jaumann, as he did not want to appoint a foreigner. Jaumann declined, and the position went to Einstein.
Leaving Zurich for an unfamiliar place was not something the Einstein family desired; Einstein hesitated but eventually accepted. While living in Prague, Einstein frequently met with Ernst Mach, the university president, who was also a renowned philosopher. During his teaching period in Prague, in addition to developing his theory of gravity, Einstein focused on Max Planck’s theory of light quanta. The wave theory of light by Augustin Fresnel and James Maxwell’s electromagnetism could not explain the photoelectric effect. Einstein utilized Planck’s research in his own hypotheses.
In 1911, a small scientific conference was held in Brussels, Belgium. Organized by millionaire Ernest Solvay, a successful chemical industrialist, Solvay had a great passion for science and conducted some research in physics. He sought to draw attention to his contributions.
Among his friends, Solvay often socialized with Walther Nernst, a prominent chemist. Considering Solvay’s interests and the benefits to science, Nernst suggested that the millionaire fund a conference of esteemed scientists from Europe to discuss the challenges of the “New Physics,” providing Solvay an opportunity to present his theories. Ernest Solvay agreed, and the conference was organized. Sir Ernest Rutherford represented the UK, Henri Poincaré and Paul Langevin represented France, Max Planck and Walther Nernst represented Germany, H.A. Lorentz represented the Netherlands, Poland was represented by Marie Curie, who was working in Paris, and Albert Einstein represented Austria alongside Franz Hasenohrl.
The conference was named after Solvay and was conducted in an intimate atmosphere. No one criticized Solvay’s theory; all refrained from doing so out of gratitude and politeness to the host. Additionally, during the discussions, everyone was astonished by Einstein’s novel ideas. Following the conference, Solvay recognized the true value of the meeting and subsequently organized more gatherings with Einstein as the focal point.
In 1912, after a period of living in Prague, Einstein received an invitation to hold the position of professor of theoretical physics at the Zurich Polytechnic. This institution, under the Swiss Confederation, was quite large, and the memories of his youth made Einstein eager to return to this familiar place. Moreover, his wife Mileva felt uncomfortable living in Prague and wished to return to Zurich, her small homeland. Thus, Einstein and his family left Prague.
Einstein’s departure from Prague stirred many emotions. Everyone wanted to preserve the reputation of the scientist for their locality. The press suggested that his friends had mistreated him, forcing him to seek a transfer. Others claimed that due to his Jewish background, the authorities did not treat him kindly, prompting Einstein to leave Prague. In reality, these accounts contradicted the truth. In Prague, Einstein felt at ease, and the friendly nature of the locals endeared him to them.
By the end of 1912, Albert Einstein became a full professor at the Zurich Polytechnic, bringing prestige to the institution. He worked tirelessly. The new mathematical theories developed by Italian mathematicians Ricci and Levi-Civita caught Einstein’s attention. Together with his old friend Marcel Grossmann, he explored new mathematical methods to apply to his theory of gravity.
In 1913, a conference of German scientists was held in Vienna, where Einstein was invited to present his theory of gravity. During this presentation, everyone was astonished by Einstein’s fresh and peculiar ideas. Everyone anticipated a general, innovative theory from him.
Berlin, the capital of Germany, gradually became the political and economic center of Europe. Moreover, the Germans wanted this city to be a hub for science and art. For science to thrive, research institutes and renowned scientists were essential. In the United States, in addition to universities, many research institutes were supported by capitalists like Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Guggenheim. Emperor Wilhelm II also wished for similar institutions to be established in his country. Thus, German economists, industrialists, and merchants collaborated to establish the Kaiser Wilhelm Society. Being appointed as a staff member at the institute was a significant honor, along with the title of Fellow, wearing elaborate robes, and occasionally attending banquets with the king.
The search was on for distinguished scientists, with selections based on each individual’s scientific merit. At that time, Max Planck and Walther Nernst were the leading figures in German science. These two advised the Director of the Wilhelm Institute, Adolphe von Harnack, to invite Albert Einstein, a rising star in the realm of New Physics. Planck and Nernst also encouraged Einstein to accept the invitation, as it could lead to him becoming a member of the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, a distinction coveted by all professors at the Berlin University. Einstein was indeed invited to the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute.
Einstein’s role at the institute would be to conduct research according to his own ideas. He was also invited to serve as a professor at the University of Berlin, where he could determine the extent of his teaching responsibilities. He would not have to concern himself with university administration or examination oversight. Einstein was granted complete freedom to conduct his research.
However, Einstein was also conflicted about returning to Berlin. The society there did not truly align with his inner self, but the high status would make his daily life more comfortable. The scientist was torn between two ideas: a life devoted to science and self, and the notion of a socially responsible ideology. Additionally, in Berlin, he had a cousin, Elsa, whom he had met a few times and felt a connection with. His divorce from Mileva a few years prior due to disagreements had led Einstein to consider starting a new family. This contributed to his decision to return to Berlin. Einstein left Zurich at the end of 1913.
At the age of 34, Albert Einstein was an employee of the Berlin Academy and symbolized a young man living among colleagues who were mostly older, seasoned figures in the academic world. These individuals often considered themselves important, while Einstein’s demeanor was easygoing and humble. In Berlin, several physicists would meet to discuss scientific issues. Among these discussions, apart from Einstein, Max Planck, and Walther Nernst, one could also find Max von Laue, Jacques Franck, Gustave Hertz, Lise Meitner, and later Erwin Schrödinger, who contributed to Quantum Theory.
Einstein had been living in Berlin for less than a year when World War I broke out. Some scientists felt the need to contribute alongside soldiers at the front. They began working within their fields, researching and developing war instruments. Walther Nernst created poison gas, while Fritz Haber, Einstein’s close friend, researched the synthesis of ammonia by extracting nitrogen from the air.
During his time in Berlin, Einstein met his cousin Elsa, a childhood friend. At that time, she was a widow with two children, but her cheerful and capable nature drew him in. The two married and lived a relatively comfortable, yet happy life.
4- Political Activities
Albert Einstein had long despised war and sought to spread his ideas. He gave lectures in places like the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, and Austria, explaining his theories in physics while advocating for peace.
At that time in Europe, Jewish people felt the need to unite their scattered community. A Jewish national revival movement was forming. In 1921, Chaim Weizmann, the leader of the Zionist movement, invited Einstein to the United States to advocate for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Weizmann sought to use Einstein’s fame to persuade wealthy Jewish Americans to fund the establishment of a university in the new capital. Einstein accepted the invitation.
Upon his arrival in New York in May 1921, reporters swarmed to take photos and interview him. They asked so many questions about his Theory of Relativity that he felt like he was undergoing an oral examination. Journalists also inquired about whether Elsa understood her husband’s theories, to which she replied, “Oh no, although Einstein has explained it to me many times, my lack of understanding does not affect our happiness.”
Albert Einstein and his wife passed through a crowd of curious onlookers at the railway station. With a pipe in his right hand and a violin in his left, many mistook him for a talented musician coming to perform in New York, rather than a scientist who had revolutionized human understanding of the universe.
In the United States, Weizmann and Einstein were received with great formality. Although these two figures were merely advocating for a Jewish cause, they were regarded as true representatives of the Jewish people. Einstein delivered lectures in German, as he was not very fluent in English at that time. On May 9 of that year, Einstein was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Princeton University, where the president praised him in German as “a Christopher Columbus of Science, who has crossed the oceans of novel thoughts.” After leaving the United States, Einstein traveled to England before returning to Berlin in July 1921.
Einstein’s journey improved relations between American, British, and German scientists. Consequently, some French scientists proposed inviting Einstein to Paris, despite the lingering animosity from the old Franco-German rivalry. Among the proponents of this idea were mathematicians Paul Painlevé and Paul Langevin. Langevin suggested using part of the revenue from the Collège de France to invite Einstein to France. Painlevé enthusiastically supported the idea, while many French scientists openly opposed it.
In Germany, similar groups sought to compel Einstein to refuse the invitation, but at that time, neither group in France nor Germany was strong enough to prevent the journey. Einstein agreed to go to France. Langevin and astronomer Charles Nordmann traveled to Jeumont near the Belgian border to greet Einstein. At that time, a group of patriotic French youths planned a protest at the train station. Langevin learned of this through the police and decided to have Einstein’s train stop at a small station without any welcoming crowd before taking him by subway to the hotel, unaware that at the main station, his son and other students were eagerly awaiting to admire the great scientist.
Albert Einstein arrived in Paris on March 22, 1922. On the 31st, he lectured at the Collège de France. Only those who loved science and did not intend to protest received invitations. On that day, Painlevé was the first to arrive and personally oversaw the proceedings. The Great Lecture Hall, where renowned philosophers like Ernest Renan and Henri Bergson had once lectured, was filled to capacity. Attendees included Marie Curie, Henri Bergson, and many other prominent figures. Einstein delivered his lecture in French. His slow speech, sometimes laced with a German accent, added an alluring and mysterious quality to his presentation.
Einstein’s presence in Paris split the French Academy into two opposing factions, while some German scientists were also displeased. However, Einstein focused solely on the common good of science and the importance of fostering goodwill between nations. After returning from France, Einstein traveled to Shanghai on November 15, 1922, then to Japan, where he stayed until February of the following year before returning to Palestine, then traveling through Spain. Just as Einstein was about to arrive in Asia, on November 10, 1922, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided to award him the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Although Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was well known, debates at the time were still heated, with doubts lingering over whether the theory constituted a scientific invention. Since Alfred Nobel stipulated that the prize should be awarded to individuals who had invented something beneficial to humanity, the Swedish Academy hesitated regarding Einstein’s scientific work before ultimately deciding: “The prize is awarded to Albert Einstein for the photoelectric effect law and his work in theoretical physics.”
For a long time, physicists had observed that when a particular type of light with a sufficiently high frequency shines on a special piece of metal, an electric current is emitted. This phenomenon, known as the photoelectric effect, could not be explained by the wave theory of light proposed by Augustin Fresnel or James Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory. Einstein applied Max Planck’s theory of quanta to light and hypothesized that light waves contain quanta carrying energy. This hypothesis led to the discovery of the photoelectric effect law, allowing scientists to explain various radiation phenomena.
In July 1923, Albert Einstein traveled to Sweden to accept the award and lectured before a large audience of scientists in Gothenburg, which the King of Sweden also attended.
In 1925, Albert Einstein traveled to South America to lecture, and in the following years, he resided in Berlin. Starting in March 1929, the Einstein family began to feel uncomfortable. Einstein was under scrutiny from many people and the press, prompting him to decide to move to a riverside house outside the city. With his absence, German newspapers spread rumors that he had gone to the Netherlands and then to America.
Living in the countryside, Einstein felt at ease. He had two hobbies: sailing and playing the violin. It is well known that sailing requires a sailor to understand many aspects of mechanics and physics. A skilled sailor must cleverly utilize the wind to steer the boat in the right direction. In this regard, Einstein excelled. He often took provisions onto his boat and would sail until nearly dusk before returning.
Albert Einstein had a deep appreciation for music. For him, music was both a source of entertainment and comfort, as well as a necessity. He had an excellent musical ear and greatly enjoyed the works of Mozart. Although he did not possess the extraordinary hands of talented musicians—hands that are often long, thick, and slender—he played clearly and in time, neither rushing ahead nor skipping notes. Among musical instruments, Einstein favored the violin. Many admirers gifted him instruments made by renowned craftsmen, yet he preferred a simple Japanese violin, which seemed to bring him great joy.
Einstein was truly fortunate to have met his second wife, Elsa. In Berlin, Einstein reserved a separate room for his work where no one was allowed to enter, not even his wife. It was in this room that he conducted research and discussed ideas with friends without fear of being disturbed. Einstein preferred to work freely, regardless of the dust and disorder in his workspace. These two aspects often left Elsa feeling regretful. She took care of her husband in a rare manner, allowing him to smoke only one cigarette a day. Officially, he adhered to this rule, but his friends filled a box with cigarettes in his room. Einstein did not drink alcohol and avoided staying up late, fearing that it would disrupt his work the next day.
Nature had endowed Einstein with a cheerful disposition. He never forgot to find humor even in difficult situations. When someone complained to him that his Theory of Relativity was too complicated, Einstein responded, “What’s so difficult? For example, when we sit next to our beloved, an hour feels like a minute; but when we sit on a hot stove, a minute feels like an hour.”
One day, someone asked Einstein, “Are you sure your theory is correct?” Einstein replied, “I am confident it is correct, but people will only have concrete evidence in 1981, by which time I will have died. If I am right, Germans will call me German and the French will call me Jewish. If my theory is wrong, Germans will call me Jewish and the French will call me German.”
Einstein had a robust physique, although he suffered from stomach pains and a weak heart. He possessed an unusual head: most of his brain was located at the front, and he seemed to have little occipital lobe. Could it be that only such an asymmetrical head could conceive extraordinary scientific ideas?
In the winter of 1930, Albert Einstein was invited to Pasadena, California, to give a lecture at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). During this time, he met the scientist Robert Andrews Millikan, who had made California a renowned center for scientific research. The following winter, Einstein returned to Pasadena and went back to Berlin in the spring of 1932, as the German Republic was nearing its end. In March 1932, Hindenburg won the election against Hitler and became President of Germany.
At the end of 1932, Einstein returned to Pasadena, and in January 1933, while he was in California, he learned that Hindenburg had invited Hitler to be Chancellor. Hitler advocated for extreme nationalism and harbored deep hatred for the Jewish people, which caused Einstein to hesitate before returning to Germany.
Einstein returned to Europe in early 1933 and stayed in Ostend, Belgium. In Germany, the populace had started to discriminate against Jewish people. Einstein was uncertain whether to resign from the Prussian Academy of Sciences or wait to see if he would be expelled. In the end, he chose to withdraw his name to spare Max Planck the anguish of expelling a valuable member under the fanatic orders of the Nazi Party.
Shortly after, Hitler accused Einstein of harboring illegal weapons, and his assets were confiscated. Furthermore, the Nazi Party placed a bounty of 20,000 marks on Einstein’s head. He decided not to return to Berlin and sought a new refuge. Many universities in Europe invited him to teach, but Einstein wished to leave Europe. In the summer of 1933, the United States extended an invitation to Albert Einstein.
5- Life in the United States.
A few years earlier, around 1930, Louis Bamberger and Felix Fould, on the advice of Abraham Flexner, invested $5 million to establish a Research and Education Institute. Thus, the Institute for Advanced Study was founded in Princeton, New Jersey. Flexner traveled across America and Europe to find collaborators for the institute. He met with the scientist R.A. Millikan, who mentioned Albert Einstein. Einstein received the invitation and accepted it as the circumstances at that time did not allow him to return to Germany.
From 1938, Otto Hahn and F. Strassmann in Berlin, Irène Curie and Savitch in Paris, Lise Meitner and O. Frisch in Copenhagen conducted many experiments demonstrating that shooting Uranium atomic nuclei would release significant heat. Then, Enrico Fermi succeeded in splitting the atomic nucleus.
World War II broke out. Many scientists in America were worried about Germany’s advancements and nuclear capabilities. They alerted U.S. military authorities and aimed to embark on similar atomic research projects. However, their efforts were unproductive, leading them to rely on Albert Einstein’s fame.
On August 2, 1939, Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt stating, “Recently, I have read the manuscripts regarding the research of E. Fermi and L. Szilard. These works have led me to believe that Uranium could become a very important new source of energy in the near future. This energy could be used to create an extremely powerful bomb. I have enough information to assert that the Nazi regime is also pursuing this project. The United States must take the lead in this matter; otherwise, civilization may be destroyed.”
Upon receiving Einstein’s letter, President Franklin D. Roosevelt immediately focused on drafting a nuclear research program, leading the United States to initiate one of the most significant arms races in history. The Manhattan Project, the name given to the atomic bomb development project, was born.
In 1941, Albert Einstein became a U.S. citizen along with his secretary Helene Dukas and daughter-in-law Margot. Dukas was intelligent, organized, and determined. After Elsa passed away in 1936, Dukas became the household manager and took charge of family matters. In Princeton, New Jersey, Einstein also had a sister, Maja, who came to live with him in 1939.
Albert Einstein’s life in the United States was tranquil. Every morning, he wore a black leather uniform, and in cold weather, he donned a black knitted cap resembling that of a sailor. He would walk about two kilometers to work in this eccentric outfit. The residents of Princeton often saw him strolling in the garden of the Institute for Advanced Study from 4 a.m., with his hands clasped behind his back. Solitude was essential for him, but he did not live like a recluse. Each day, he received hundreds of letters. For well-written letters, he would reply, reflecting his kindness. Once, a boy struggling with a math problem sent it to him for clarification. Einstein happily explained the solution. On another occasion, a young mathematician sent him a very good problem with two calculation errors. Einstein knew that scholars often became arrogant, so he replied to the mathematician, informing him of the two mistakes, but did not specify where they were in the problem.
Like many other scientists, Albert Einstein found not only refuge in the United States but also a place to work and lecture. In the quiet of his workspace, he would spend hours writing tiny letters or mathematical symbols. A pencil and paper were the tools he used to construct his scientific work. He used his mind as a laboratory. Upon first meeting Einstein, one would notice his untidy hair and bushy mustache; his eyes appeared dreamy yet sparkled with curiosity and patience.
Albert Einstein was a proponent of individual liberty. Despite his unshakeable faith in God, like many scientists, he was an atheist. Generous by nature, he never participated in any social organizations. He worked for humanity with utmost conscience. He continually urged other scientists to be wary of their inventions and warned everyone about the potential dangers they posed. He often reminded that although science could benefit society, it could also provide weapons to humanity’s enemies, leading to despairing outcomes. Einstein believed that sooner or later, humanity would solve all scientific puzzles because “Creation, while marvelous, is never malicious.” This belief kept him hopeful in his pursuits and research. Albert Einstein decided to dedicate the rest of his life to discovering the “Unified Field Theory” that would connect the forces of electromagnetism and gravity.
Albert Einstein passed away on April 18, 1955. Before his death, he arranged for his brain to be donated to researchers in anthropology.
In the early 20th century, Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity transformed conventional scientific thought, comparable to the intellectual revolutions initiated by Newton and Darwin in previous centuries. Therefore, the great writer Bernard Shaw was not mistaken in calling Albert Einstein the “Eighth Wonder” of the World of Science, following Pythagoras, Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton.
