Although Einstein is celebrated as one of the most gifted scientific minds of the twentieth century for his tremendous contributions to our understanding of the world around us, little is known about the private life behind his legendary persona. How did Einstein spend his life when not engaged in scientific pursuits? What were his interests? What in Einstein's background and everyday life inspired his development as a scientist and as a person? In this unique contribution to the Einstein literature, physicist and acclaimed science writer Barry Parker draws on the great scientist's letters and personal papers to explore the intellectual and emotional drives that motivated both his work and his life.
In EINSTEIN: THE PASSIONS OF A SCIENTIST, Parker focuses on five aspects of Einstein's emotional nature that had a profound impact on his life and his career. First and foremost was his love of learning, not only in physics but also in mathematics and philosophy. This was manifested early on when he excelled at algebra. However, he did have his share of conflicts with some teachers whose dictatorial approach to instruction he believed was wrongheaded and stifling. In later life Einstein became utterly absorbed with philosophy.
Einstein's "second love" was classical music, especially the music of Mozart. Parker shows that listening to and playing music (he was an accomplished violinist) were not only recreations for Einstein but also provided stimulation for his scientific creativity.
His frequent turbulent relationships with women and his family also greatly shaped his character and his work. Parker examines the influence of Einstein's parents and their financial woes during his childhood, his sister, his two wives, his liaisons with other women, and his distant relationship with his two sons from his first marriage.
Another fascinating dimension of Einstein's character was his strong antiwar stance and his advocacy for peace. Einstein considered world government the only means to achieve global peace. Parker dedicates a chapter to Einstein's humanist beliefs and his efforts to promote the idea of a world government.
Finally, Parker considers Einstein's utter obsession with finding a unified theory of physics to explain all the forces of the universe, and his reluctance to accept the indeterminacy of quantum theory. In the opinion of some colleagues, this was a tragedy, for Einstein isolated himself from the rest of the scientific community during the latter part of his life to pursue a lone quest that remained unfulfilled at his death.
Containing scores of fascinating stories and amusing anecdotes, this is an original, insightful behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest geniuses of all time who did so much to shape our vision of the world. It will surely be of interest to anyone who wants to learn about the human side of this renowned scientist....
