Albert Einstein

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Simplicity versus complexity

  “The laws were clear and simple, the mechanical interpretations clumsy and contradictory. Almost imperceptibly the theoretical physicists adapted themselves to a situation which, from the standpoint of their mechanical programme, was very depressing.”

  Our noteHe reflects on how physicists struggled when simple laws didn't fit their complex mechanical models.

• Physical qualities of space

  “To deny the ether is ultimately to assume that empty space has no physical qualities whatever. The fundamental facts of mechanics do not harmonize with this view.”

  Our noteEinstein explains why space cannot be considered truly empty or devoid of physical properties.

• Inseparable physical realities

  “The existence of the gravitational field is inseparably bound up with the existence of space.”

  Our noteHe describes the fundamental link between gravity and the very fabric of space.

• Seeking unified systems

  “Of course it would be a great advance if we could succeed in comprehending the gravitational field and the electromagnetic field together as one unified conformation.”

  Our noteEinstein describes the goal of creating a unified theory for different physical forces.

• Overcoming mental barriers

  “We must try to surmount this barrier in the mind, and the patient reader will see that it is by no means a particularly difficult task.”

  Our noteEinstein encourages readers to push past their intuitive limits to understand new concepts.

• Value of rest

  “I lie on the beach like a crocodile and let myself be roasted by the sun. I never see a newspaper and don't give a damn for what is called the world.”

  Our noteEinstein describes his state of relaxation during a letter to a colleague.

• Intuition over logic

  “The supreme task of the physicist is to arrive at those universal elementary laws from which the cosmos can be built up by pure deduction. There is no logical path to these laws; only intuition, resting on sympathetic understanding of experience, can reach them.”

  Our noteEinstein argues that the most fundamental laws are found through intuition rather than logic.

• Theory shapes observation

  “Whether you can observe a thing or not depends on the theory which you use. It is the theory which decides what can be observed.”

  Our noteObjecting to the focus on observables in quantum mechanics during a lecture.

• Building independent institutions

  “Science is international but its success is based on institutions, which are owned by nations. If therefore, we wish to promote culture we have to combine and to organize institutions with our own power and means.”

  Our noteDiscussing the need for a Jewish University during a fundraising effort.

• Power of imagination

  “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”

  Our noteHe was explaining why intuition and inspiration are vital factors in research.

• Testing ideas

  “Everyone sits in the prison of his own ideas; he must burst it open, and that in his youth, and so try to test his ideas on reality.”

  Our noteHe was reflecting on the need to challenge one's own mental constructs.

• Power of intuition

  “Every man knows that in his work he does best and accomplishes most when he has attained a proficiency that enables him to work intuitively.”

  Our noteExplaining how proficiency leads to intuitive and effective work.

• Purpose of art and science

  “In my view, it is the most important function of art and science to awaken this feeling and keep it alive in those who are receptive to it.”

  Our noteDiscussing the role of art and science in communicating cosmic religious feeling.

• Lifelong curiosity

  “People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live...[We] never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”

  Our noteWriting a letter to Otto Juliusburger.

• Overcoming difficulties

  “Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater.”

  Our noteEncouraging a high school student who was struggling with math.

• Essential new thinking

  “A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels.”

  Our noteUrging for a shift in human perspective to avoid disaster.

• Integrity and conscience

  “Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it.”

  Our noteEinstein was discussing the importance of personal ethics over state demands.

• Complexity of human nature

  “I am very conscious of the fact that our feelings and strivings are often contradictory and obscure and that they cannot be expressed in easy and simple formulas.”

  Our noteEinstein acknowledges the difficulty of capturing human experience in simple terms.

• Individual and society

  “The individual is able to think, feel, strive, and work by himself; but he depends so much upon society”

  Our noteHe explains how society provides the tools and framework for human existence.

• Independent thinking

  “Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions that differ from the prejudices of their social environment.”

  Our noteHe comments on the rarity of independent thought in society.

• Cost of conformity

  “In order to be a perfect member of a flock of sheep, one has to be, foremost, a sheep.”

  Our noteHe uses a metaphor to describe social conformity.