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Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein


Of all the scientists to emerge from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
there is one whose name is known by almost all living people. While most of
these do not understand this man's work, everyone knows that its impact on
the world of science is astonishing. Yes, many have heard of Albert
Einstein's General Theory of relativity, but few know about the intriguing
life that led this scientist to discover what some have called, "The greatest
single achievement of human thought."

Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany on March 14, 1874. Before his first
birthday, his family had moved to Munich where young Albert's father, Hermann
Einstein, and uncle set up a small electro-chemical business. He was fortunate
to have an excellent family with which he held a strong relationship. Albert's
mother, Pauline Einstein, had an intense passion for music and literature,
and it was she that first introduced her son to the violin in which he found
much joy and relaxation. Also, he was very close with his younger sister,
Maja, and they could often be found in the lakes that were scattered about the
countryside near Munich.

As a child, Einstein's sense of curiosity had already begun to stir. A
favorite toy of his was his father's compass, and he often marvelled at his
uncle's explanations of algebra. Although young Albert was intrigued by
certain mysteries of science, he was considered a slow learner. His failure
to become fluent in German until the age of nine even led some teachers to
believe he was disabled.

Einstein's post-basic education began at the Luitpold Gymnasium when he
was ten. It was here that he first encountered the German spirit through the
school's strict disciplinary policy. His disapproval of this method of
teaching led to his reputation as a rebel. It was probably these differences
that caused Einstein to search for knowledge at home. He began not with
science, but with religion. He avidly studied the Bible seeking truth,...