My Einstein
by John Brockman, editor
Published by Vintage Books
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Review by Steven King, MBA
Subtitled: Essays by Twenty-Four of the World’s Leading Thinkers on the Man, His Work, and His Legacy
He’s no Einstein” is a crass but possibly fitting denouncement of a student who shows little academic potential. Most have at least heard of Albert Einstein, however, or are able to quote his most famous formula: E = mc2. Perhaps it is not common knowledge that Einstein’s greatest accomplishments were completed in humble circumstances. When not working as a patent clerk by day, Einstein was feverishly working on experiments to reconcile quantum mechanics and electromagnetism that would forever change the face of science. Undiscovered protégés, who burn the candle at both ends, can find inspiration in Einstein’s example.
Personal gems, such as the cumbersome nature of scientific discovery while employed otherwise, are sprinkled throughout My Einstein: a compilation of two dozen essays by modern scientists who were influenced by Einstein. Each scientist extols some detail about Einstein as the motivation to actually enter scientific careers themselves. Many of the writers point out that Einstein had an entirely different way of looking at nature–and they were inspired to enter theoretical physics to recapture some of his cavalier thinking style. One can not intelligently discuss the modern research of theoretical physicists without grappling with Einstein’s original ideas.
The casual reader will find the depth to which the writers explain their own scientific prowess a little cumbersome–if not downright boring. Weaving a tale of their own technical competence initially, most writers return to a common idea about Einstein: his best work derived when he was young. These scientists steer the reader away from the image of Einstein as a disheveled, wild-haired, tongue-poking-out mad scientist.
Great men, such as Albert Einstein, happen upon humanity accidentally. John Brockman has edited a collection of essays that are a great read if you are seeking direction in life. Many readers will identify with a burst of inspiration, where even reading about the works of one person, can send the curious on an entirely different pathway. Within the legacy of Einstein is a simple admonition: Pursue your passion–your weekend project might very well cause you to be named the next Einstein.
Armchair Interviews says: You don’t have to be an Einstein to get some value from this collection.
Author’s Web site: http://www.edge.org