As I delved deeper into the biography, it began to surface that despite being a genius, Einstein did make mistakes. He was human after all. While he struggled to to correct his mistakes he was also faced with family problems where he was kept away from his sons. World War I did not make things easier. It was revealed that the true genius in Einstein was to be able to solve his scientific problems while burdened by emotional distractions and at about the same time, competition in the form of a David Hilbert who was racing Einstein to solve the equations of general relativity.
These further chapters also illustrate Einstein as being a rather objective person. He would praise his estranged wife on her good parenting of their two sons. On a more professional take on things, Einstein would even make peace with his rival Hilbert when things cooled down.
Einstein was also a person that would retreat into his work when his personal problems became too overwhelming. This reminded me of the book I’ve recently read - Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus where men would seek solace and retreat into their caves. Very true indeed.
After all he had been through, he finally found success and recognition when his theory of relativity was proven true. He became a worldwide celebrity! It was rather unusual that the science community at the time do not encourage publicity. Einstein’s friends actually discouraged him.
As fame brought Einstein to America, England and France, anti-semitism sentiments worsened in his home country. Being a Jew, his popularity made him an enemy of the Nazis. His name appeared on the Nazi’s target lists. At one point Einstein pondered to seclude himself and become an engineer but of course that didn’t happen.
You can read about the first few chapters here.
Onwards to the next chapters!
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