The revered scientist Lord Kelvin went so far as to announce, “There is nothing new to be discovered in physics. Several contemporary physicists were unable to see beyond the foundations of classical physics at that time. The author speculates that Einstein's rebellious nature was necessary for his discoveries. He was forced to look outside of the academic world for employment. Einstein's college performance was admirable and he had ambitions to teach in a university, but none of his professors would recommend him. In frustration, one of his instructors concluded that he would never amount to much. As a student, Einstein incessantly questioned his textbooks and his professors.

His other distinguishing trait was a rebellion against dogma. He would later explain that “curiosity has its own reason for existing.” He felt that there was a purpose for curiosity and used it as his motivation to continually look at the world and ask why. Several family members considered him to be “almost backwards.” He grew up as a loner and “occupied himself with quieter things.” Later in school Einstein was said to be different from other children in several ways. His two marriages and his children-one born out of wedlock, another who became schizophrenic, and a third who became an engineer-all suffered from lack of attention.Īs a child, Einstein was slow to talk and was labeled “the dopey one” by the family maid. Friendly and benevolent to friends, he could be aloof and unsympathetic to family. From these in particular, we gain more insight into Einstein's relationships. This most recent biography of the famous scientist adds to the body of knowledge, drawing new information from numerous private papers that were released last year. Walter Isaacson portrays his distinctive character and gives insight into the nature and the significance of his scientific discoveries in a well-written story of this legendary man. Albert Einstein did so by the last of these two. Some do this by deeds, some by might, some by brilliance, and some by force of personality. Only a few individuals make a profound impact on this world. What would the world be like if Albert Einstein had never existed? Would the atomic bomb have been made in time to influence the outcome of World War II? Would Israel and those of the Jewish faith be where they are today?

Albert einstein isaacson