Of all the scientists to emerge from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries there is one whose name is known by all people. While most of these people do not understand this man's work, everyone knows that his impact on the world of science is amazing. Yes, many have heard of Albert Einstein's General Theory of relativity, but few know about the interesting life that led this scientist to discover what some have called, "The greatest single achievement of human thought."
Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany on March 14, 1874. Before his first birthday, his family had moved to Munich where young Albert's father, Hermann Einstein, and uncle set up a small electro-chemical business. He was fortunate to have an excellent family with which he held a strong relationship. Albert's mother, Pauline Einstein, had an intense passion for music and literature, and it was she that first introduced her son to the violin in which he found much joy and relaxation.
English: German-born theoretical physicist Albert ...
English: receiving from Judge his certificate of A...
English: Albert Einstein Français : portrait d'Al...Also, he was very close with his younger sister, Maja, and he could often be found in the lakes that were scattered about the countryside near Munich.
As a child, Einstein's sense of curiosity had already begun to stir. A favorite toy of his was his father's compass, and he often marvelled at his uncle's explanations of algebra. Although young Albert was amazed by certain mysteries of science, he was considered a slow learner. He failed to become fluent in German until the age of nine some teachers though he was disabled.
Einstein's post-basic education began at the Luitpold Gymnasium when he was ten. It was here that he started to get the German spirit through the school's strict disciplinary policy. His disapproval of this method of teaching led to his reputation as an outsider. These differences caused...