FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Steward Observatory Public Evening Series: The Astrophysical Einstein [10-24-05]

["Laurel" <laureldunlap@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Stan-

Your views are well received and several are reflected in Albert Einstein's
own writings. Here are just a few.

"The four men who laid the foundations of physics on which I have been able
to construct my theory are Galileo, Newton, Maxwell, and Lorentz."  from the
New York Times interview April 4, 1921

"The scientist finds his reward in what Henri Poincare' calls the joy of
comprehension, and not the possibilities of application to which any
discovery may lead"  quoted in the epilogue to Planck, Where is Science
Going? 1932

"Truly novel ideas emerge only in one's youth.  Later on, one becomes
experienced, famous-and foolish."  written to a friend 1917



It is in the reading of some of his writings, professional, personal, and
political that my opinion of "genius" was formed. Not that I agree with all
his views, but then I don't have to agree to see or value his brilliance.
He was very much an ordinary man, who suffered like so many others with
family discord, scandal, political turmoil, and much personal loss.  In the
end he has a serious heart problem and elects not to prolong his life
artificially, allowing nature to take it's course.

In Einstein's letters, interviews, and writings we see the ordinary man who
is passionate and persistent. That may very well be, the reason he has been
popularized as an iconic hero of sorts.  He fits the archetype.  Much like a
David and Goliath style hero.  We could choose to dilute David's hero status
by speculating that eventually Goliath would have been slain, but while
others around him were fearfully/cautiously making elaborate plans to bring
down Goliath;  David picks up five stones and a slingshot and finishes the
task. In fearless persistence, he becomes the hero. What he did was simple.
Probably anyone else there could have done the same. He was ridiculed that a
few mere rocks were no match for Goliath. Fact remains, he took aim, and
succeeded.

Now this is the stuff of many epic tales, the books we read to our kids, the
ideas we hope to instill in every generation.  Stand on the shoulders of
those who came before, learn from us, and go out and do it better!  Einstein
added to this equation:: it is not enough to gain knowledge; we must become
keen observers of all that life has to offer, and then see what grand
mysteries emerge or are uncovered for us to explore responsibly.

"All of science is nothing more than refinement of everyday thinking."
from "Physics and Reality" March 1930

"Concern for man himself and his fate must always form the chief objective
of all technological endeavors...in order that the creations of our minds
shall be a blessing and not a curse to mankind. Never forget this in the
midst of your diagrams and equations."  from "Science and Happiness" address
to Cal Tech 1931

Einstein's way of thinking, that comes across in nearly everything he wrote,
challenges us.  When we are challenged we grow/expand our own thought, like
it or not that is what we do.  ...and the epic hero emerges   ...he makes us
look at ourselves, and we critique nearly everything about him looking for
all the flaws, because WE have been challenged to THINK. To this end, he
accomplishes his goal.

"What is essential in the life of a man of my kind is precisely WHAT he
thinks and HOW he thinks, not what he does or suffers."  "Autobiographical
Notes" Albert Einstein 1946


Regards,
Laurel Sparks-Dunlap
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