Albert Einstein, probably the most iconic scientific figure of our era, he was a classic introvert. His life proves that some of the greatest contributions are made from behind the scenes.

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Part 3: Inspiring People
Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein
Inspiring
People:
Lessons
for us.

2. Inspirational LessonsInspirational Lessons
Despite being probably the most iconic scientific
figure of our era, Albert Einstein was a classic
introvert. Preferring the comfort of the laboratory to
the public arena, Einstein was often regarded by
those around him as somewhat of a recluse, a
reputation which did not always do him too many
favours. However, Einstein’s life proves that some of
the greatest contributions are made from behind
the scenes.

3. Born in Germany, Einstein moved to Italy
when his father’s electro-technical business
ran into financial difficulty and the family
decided it best to try their fortunes
elsewhere. Initially, he remained in Germany
to continue his high school education.
However, feeling lonely, he joined his parents
A committed
student,
Einstein’s
desire to study
was not
hampered for
long by the absence of a high school diploma.
After a brief stint in a high school in Switzerland,
he enrolled at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic
School to study physics where he met his future
wife, Mileva Maric. Einstein’s parents did not
approve, contesting her background and religion.
Demonstrating an early passion for activism,
Einstein was incensed at the discrimination and
pursued the marriage regardless.

4. It was at university that Einstein gained his
reputation as a recluse. Spending his time in the
laboratory instead of attending lectures,
Einstein did not endear himself to his lecturers,
who provided the young academic with such a
terrible letter of recommendation that he was
unable to find work for two whole years after
graduating.

5. Albert Einstein was often criticized for being
impulsive and erratic. What his critics did not
understand was that he was simply focused
completely on the end goal, preferring a method of
trial-and-error to sitting back pondering possible
solutions. Being misunderstood did not bother
Einstein, however –
he enjoyed thinking
in a different
direction to other
scientists. The
success that he
enjoyed as a result
is beyond question.

6. A later commitment to activism saw Einstein
protesting against the Nazi regime for
discriminating against scientists. Moreover, after
moving to the USA, he became highly active
exponent of Nuclear Disarmament, heavily
contesting the use of atomic bombs to end the
Second World War. He was involved with various
other anti-war efforts during his activist career.
Such was the influence of his views and the
strength of his character that Einstein was
approached to be the president of Israel.
However, true to his preference for the shadows,
he declined the offer, continuing a more low-key
brand of leadership from behind the scenes.

7. “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”
Pro-active as he was, in hospital in 1955 Einstein
decided that he had lived his life to the full, was
happy with his achievements, and let nature take its
course. He passed away the next morning after
refusing an operation.
Einstein showed us that leadership and success come
not only to those with bold, loud voices. It is also
enjoyed by those of a more introverted, subtle
disposition.

8. “You never fail until you” stop trying.”
Words of WisdomWords of Wisdom
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is
limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
“The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its
limits.”
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried
anything new.”
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The
important thing is to not stop questioning.”
“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man
of value.”
“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking.
It cannot be changed without
changing our thinking.”
References
www.nobelprize.org
www.biography.com
www.sparknotes.com
www.mindbodygreen.com
www.aip.org