Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein; 14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist. He developed the general theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics.:274 Einstein's work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. Einstein is best known in popular culture for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2. He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his "services to theoretical physics", in particular his discovery of the law of the photoelectric...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionScientist
Date of Birth14 March 1879
CityUlm, Germany
CountryGermany
...behind all the discernible laws and connections, there remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable.
I do not like to state an opinion on a matter unless I know the precise facts.
I think we have to safeguard ourselves against people who are a menace to others, quite apart from what may have motivated their deeds.
Belief in an external world independent of the perceiving subject is the basis of all natural science.
But nature did not deem it her business to make the discovery of her laws easy for us.
The scientific theorist is not to be envied. For Nature, or more precisely experiment, is an exorable and not very friendly judge of his work. It never says "yes" to a theory. In the most favorable cases it says "Maybe," and in the great majority of cases simply "No." If an experiment agrees with a theory it means for the latter "Maybe," and if it does not agree it means "No." Probably every theory will some day experience its "No" - most theories, soon after conception.
It is true that the grasping of truth is not possible without empirical basis. However, the deeper we penetrate and the more extensive and embracing our theories become the less empirical knowledge is needed to determine those theories.
In one's youth every person and every event appear to be unique. With age one becomes much more aware that similar events recur. Later on, one is less often delighted or surprised, but also less disappointed than in earlier years.
Fear or stupidity has always been the basis of most human actions.
I have firmly decided to bite the dust with a minimum of medical assistance when my time comes, and up to then to sin to my wicked heart's content.
...and knowledge is one of the finest attributes of man - though often it is most loudly voiced by those who strive for it the least.
I have remained a simple fellow who asks nothing of the world; only my youth is gone - the enchanting youth that forever walks on air.
God gave me the stubbornness of a mule and a fairly keen scent.
Mysticism is in fact the only criticism people cannot level against my theory.