Albert Einstein is one of the most famous and influential physicists of all time. The German-born scientist was only 26 years old when, in 1905, he changed the world of physics with his groundbreaking special theory of relativity, embodied by the famous equation E = mc². It changed the world’s understanding of space and time, essentially replacing Isaac Newton’s long-running pioneering theories from 200 years earlier.
In 1921, Einstein won the Nobel Prize for physics while still living and teaching in his native Germany. Not long after, in 1933, he moved to the United States to take a position at Princeton, where he taught until 1945. While his discoveries made him a famous name in the physics community, Einstein is remembered and revered for more than his scientific contributions. Throughout his life, the great thinker didn’t shy away from advocating for various social and political issues; throughout his work, he applied creativity, curiosity, humanity, and philosophy to everything he did.
“I was particularly won over by his sweet disposition, by his general kindness, by his simplicity, and by his friendliness,” French physicist Louis de Broglie once said about his peer. “I shall always remember the enchantment of all those meetings, from which I carried away an indelible impression of Einstein's great human qualities.”
Einstein continued to work — and to share his wisdom, his wonder, and his compassionate insights — until his death in 1955 at age 76. Here are 13 quotes that illustrate the mind and humble heart of the once-in-a-lifetime scientist.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
I believe in intuitions and inspirations. I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am.
Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.
Although I am a typical loner in daily life, my consciousness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has preserved me from feeling isolated.
I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.
Study and in general the pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Be a loner. That gives you time to wonder, to search for the truth. Have holy curiosity. Make your life worth living.
Nothing truly valuable arises from ambition or from a mere sense of duty; it stems rather from love and devotion towards men and towards objective things.
I am happy because I want nothing from anyone. I do not care about money. Decorations, titles, or distinctions mean nothing to me. I do not crave praise. The only thing that gives me pleasure, apart from my work, my violin, and my sailboat, is the appreciation of my fellow workers.
I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.
Featured image credit: Historical/ Corbis Historical via Getty Images
