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Even those who have never been fond of physics know this brilliant man. Einstein fascinates first of all as a bright personality, only then – as a scientist. And yet, his personal qualities and view of the world largely determined his scientific career. What can be useful for us? We have chosen 5 key ideas.
His biography sometimes captures more than his scientific works. A creative scientist who revolutionized physics. A “difficult” explorer who became the most famous person in the world. A pacifist who advocated a nuclear bomb and then admitted his mistake. Father of the theory of relativity, who was critical of quantum mechanics.
His story is incredible, and it is this controversial nature that makes him a true hero of the 5th century. Einstein discarded all authority and dogmas, he simply wanted to live, think and act, following his own intuition. His independence is a life lesson for all of us. What else can you learn from this brilliant man? Here are XNUMX of Einstein’s key ideas.
1. The universe is spiritual
Since the earliest studies, Einstein has argued that the universe is spiritual. The human spirit can determine the laws of celestial mechanics or the fall of bodies, and then rediscover them in nature. This “wonderful” coincidence is not an accident, but proof that we are embraced by a common transcendence.
The universe is not a creation of a deity, it is divinity itself. This is “God” or “Old Man” in Spinoza’s pantheistic vision. Scientific research becomes a spiritual practice, physics becomes metaphysics. Throughout his life, Einstein never stopped proclaiming the spiritual significance of his scientific work.
2. The power of perfection
The deified Universe cannot obey any laws other than perfect ones. This notion of perfection is difficult to grasp for those who are not scientists. Why is a scientific theory needed? To plug into reality and make predictions that turn out to be accurate.
Einstein wanted more – flawless intellectual structures that are based on simple and few principles with cause-and-effect relationships. He suggested abandoning “fit” hypotheses that provide realistic but insufficient explanations. Error is evil, truth is beautiful.
For example, physicists use Newton’s principles and his law of gravity every day in their work and take steps forward. But Einstein questioned this theory because he saw conceptual weaknesses in it. He believed that she was ugly, which means she was fake. Thus arose a new revolutionary theory – the general theory of relativity.
3. Think first
A person cannot be limited to simply studying the Universe, he must think about it. Science should not be based on an inductive way of thinking: first facts, then ideas. Einstein chooses the deductive method: first the theory, then the confrontation with the facts. For him, theory comes first.
4. Reason is the only peaceful weapon
The light of the entire universe – the mind – should guide people. Einstein believed that one must be rational and judicious in one’s philosophical and political choices. This benefit, derived from the mind, denies cruelty in all its manifestations.
Einstein was a militant pacifist, and only fear of Nazi nuclear weapons made him a short-lived advocate of the nuclear bomb.
By reason, and not by force, people should seek solutions to their differences. And common sense always favors solidarity rather than confrontation.
5. Man is a citizen of the world
Humanity takes part in the universal cosmic order. This is the true order of things. All people are the same. Different peoples, tribes, religions that divide the world are just a necessity in the name of survival.
This universalism prompted Einstein to renounce his Jewish roots and proclaim himself a citizen of the world. In the face of anti-Semitism and later Nazism, Einstein joined the Zionist movement and became a “defender of the race.”