Best known for: Founder of modern physics and the formula E=MC2
Overview and Interesting Facts
Albert Einstein is considered one of the most important scientists in world history. His discoveries changed the course of modern physics establishing the field of relativity and also contributing in the area of quantum mechanics. He is most famous for his Theory of General Relativity and the equation "E=mc2."
Albert Einstein Author: Orren Jack Turner
Einstein was born in Germany in 1879 where he grew up and attended grade school. He later moved to Switzerland where he attended university. After gaining fame for his "Miracle Year" papers, he eventually returned to Germany as a professor until Hitler gained power in 1933. As a Jew, Einstein could no longer safely live in Germany so he moved to the United States where he remained until his death in 1955.
Having lived through two world wars, Einstein was a pacifist who cared deeply about preventing war in the future. Although his discoveries led to the creation of the nuclear bomb, Einstein fought to have nuclear weapons eliminated. Einstein was also passionate about civil rights, individualism, and the protection of freedom throughout the world.
Albert Einstein lecture, 1921 Author: Ferdinand Schmutzer
Interesting Facts About Albert Einstein
His birthday, March 14, is also known as "Pi" day because 3/14 makes up the first three digits of the number pi (3.14).
When a young Einstein was introduced to his new baby sister, he thought that she was a toy his parents had bought for him. After looking her over for a few minutes he responded "where are the wheels?"
Einstein's parents initially wanted to name him "Abraham" but, according to Albert, they eventually thought the name sounded "too Jewish" and opted for another "A" name, "Albert."
While working at the patent office, Einstein found he could get his daily job done in just a few hours. This left the rest of the day open for him to work on his own scientific theories.
Einstein and two of his best friends formed a discussion group they jokingly called the Olympia Academy where they debated physics theories and philosophy.
When his son Hans Albert announced that he wanted to be an engineer Einstein replied "I think it's a disgusting idea."
In 1921, the United States Senate debated the Theory of Relativity while Einstein was visiting the United States.
Einstein chose to exchange letters with Sigmund Freud in 1932 to discuss politics and war. Freud was also a known pacifist. Einstein suggested in his letters that the only way to end war was to have an international organization with more power than the current League of Nations.
When Einstein discovered that the Germans had put a $5,000 bounty on his head he replied "I didn't know it was worth that much!"
He once had a pet parrot named Bibo.
The FBI gathered 1,427 pages of information while investigating Einstein to determine if he was a communist. Einstein wasn't a communist and no incriminating evidence was found. Oddly enough, Einstein did unknowingly have an affair with a Soviet spy. Fortunately for him, the FBI didn't discover the affair despite their ongoing investigation.
When asked if he believed in immortality Einstein responded "No. And one life is enough for me."
Einstein was once playing violin in a quartet that included a famous violin virtuoso. When Einstein's timing got off the frustrated virtuoso stopped playing and said "What's the matter professor, can't you count?"
He nicknamed his violin Lina.
Einstein loved to walk, but didn't drive. His wife Elsa once said "The professor does not drive. It's too complicated for him."
Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin, 1931 Source: Photoplay magazine
