A theoretical physicist, philosopher, musician, supporter of civil rights and what not, Albert Einstein was among the most profound thinkers of the 20th century.
He developed the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics amongst others, which led to his explanations of particle theory and the motion of molecules.
Einstein worked on many key aspects of the theory of relativity, such as wormholes, the possibility of time travel, the existence of black holes and the creation of the universe.
He is not just only known for his great mind or scientific accomplishments, but he was also wise beyond his years, even in older age, and was insightful, philosophical and witty at the same time.
At an early age, Einstein developed an appreciation for music and so he studied music. He taught himself to play the violin without "ever practicing systematically", he said, deciding that "love is a better teacher than a sense of duty".
At one instance he said, "If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music....I get most joy in life out of music".
Albert Einstein described the fact that he believed in 'God', yet, he did not define that God as a personal God who actually existed as a separate being. He used the concept to describe everything that exists.
In response to a young girl who had asked him whether he believed in God, he wrote: “everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe - a Spirit vastly superior to that of man”.
On the relationship between religion and science, Einstein declared, “the situation may be expressed by an image: science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind”.
But his interpretation of religion was pretty much different from what the general people perceive religion as. That is, the general people are more into the rituals, superstitions and fanatic ideas which they misinterpret of the religions without understanding the basic essence of it. One of religions' main function has also been to maintain social order. It is quoted that "It appeared as though Einstein would have agreed with Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harrises and Richard Dawkins of the world in holding that religious belief belongs to the childhood of the human race".
Einstein composed a kind of creed entitled “What I Believe”, at the conclusion of which he wrote: “To sense that behind everything that can be experienced, there is something that our minds cannot grasp, whose beauty and sublimity reaches us only indirectly: this is religiousness. In this sense...I am a devoutly religious man”.
Einstein was remarkably an all rounder and his brilliance has left its mark.
I am ever so fascinated and inspired by him.... ALWAYS....
Here are some of his quotes.
Enjoy!!
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution”
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly”
“Human knowledge and skills alone cannot lead humanity to a happy and dignified life. Humanity has every reason to place the proclaimers of high moral standards and values above the discoverers of objective truth”
“Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions”
“I, at any rate, am convinced that He (God) does not throw dice”
“The important thing is not to stop questioning; curiosity has its own reason for existing”
“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind”
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe”
“Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing that people do— but gravitation cannot be held responsible for it”
“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science”
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new”
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value”
“The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources”
“The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits”
“Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character”
“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas”
“Nature shows us only the tail of the lion. But I do not doubt that the lion belongs to it even though he cannot at once reveal himself because of his enormous size”
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer”
“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind”
“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding”
“I never think of the future. It comes soon enough”
“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics, I can assure you that mine are all greater”
“In order to form an immaculate member of a flock of sheep one must, above all, be a sheep”
“The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible”
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one”
“Truth is what stands the test of experience”
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”
“Common sense is nothing more than a deposit of prejudices laid down by the mind before you reach eighteen”
Einstein is clearly solidified as one of the most influential persons ever....
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