Of all the scientists to emerge from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries there is one whose name is known by
almost all living people. While most of these do not understand this man's work, everyone knows that its impact
on the world of science is astonishing. Yes, many have heard of Albert Einstein's General Theory of relativity,
but few know about the intriguing 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 they 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 intrigued by certain
mysteries of science, he was considered a slow learner. His failure to become fluent in German until the age of
nine even led some teachers to believe he was disabled.
Einstein's post-basic education began at the Luitpold Gymnasium when he was ten. It was here that he first
encountered the German spirit through the school's strict disciplinary policy. His disapproval of this method of
teaching led to his reputation as a rebel.