Albert Einstein

Einstein's words show that he was a hard worker, but he also had a sense of humor. "If A equals success, then the formula is: A = X + Y + Z. X is work. Y is play. Z is keeping your mouth shut." (Heinrichs, 29) Albert Einstein, a German-born physicist and philosopher of the 20th century, contributed to the shaping of modern society. Einstein is most commonly known for his brilliant contributions to science. Some of these works include his work with the atom bomb, his theory of relativity, and his theory of time. Einstein's worldview and personal view of science were also important. Both of these contributions lead to Einstein being the most renowned, influential scientist of the 20th century.

Biography

Einstein's early life began in Uln, Germany on March 1879. His family owned a small shop that manufactured electrical equipment. Despite Einstein showing brilliance at a young age, he did not talk until he was three years old. After realizing his love of mathematics, Einstein taught himself Euclidean Geometry. Eventually, the creative, genius brain reacted to harsh punishment of the world. Einstein despised his school because it oppressed his talents. Eventually, he was allowed to leave this school because his parents' business reached bankruptcy. After his parents moved to Switzerland, he attended the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The teaching methods there did not suit Einstein's needs either. He often cut classes, using the time to study physics and play his violin. He graduated from the school in 1900. Two years after graduation, Einstein was employed as a tutor and a substitute teacher. In 1903 he married a fellow classmate, Mileva Mari, who bore him two children. (Wolfson, 78-80) He moved to the United States because of the fears of Hitler during World War II. Einstein rose up and met the challenges of the harsh live he lived.

World View

Einstein's worldview also helped shape modern day society. He was a skeptic, an advocate of the idea that events occurred as a result of chemical reactions. He also believed that every theory must be proven through experimentation and scientific documentation. Both of these views were growing ever more popular during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Einstein just agreed with these views and reaffirmed their importance. Einstein states in his the book The World as I See It, "It is right in principle that those should be the best loved who have contributed most to the elevation of the human race and human life." (7) With this quote it becomes apparent that Einstein strongly believed in utilitarianism, his entire career was based on this belief because the science community is based from the principal of utilitarianism. Einstein's personal views influenced others, leading to a widely accepted, skeptic society that believed in utilitarianism.

View of the Science Community

Einstein had his own personal views of the science community and its goals. According to an online composite entitled "Science and Philosophy," Einstein state, "One thing I have learned in a long life: that all our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike-and yet it is the most precious thing we have." Einstein showed scientists that every discovery, result of an experiment, and observation had importance to scientific discovery because they could lead to better products, more efficient machinery, and better uses for current invention. That is the goal of all society, efficiency and perfection. According to Einstein's "Goals of Science & Religion and On Understanding of Life," "although it is true that it is the goal of science to discover the rules which permit the association and foretelling of facts, that is not its only aim." Obviously Einstein does believe that the goal of science is not just to gather facts and restate them in the format of scientific law, but rather to create a more efficient society.

Scientific Contributions

Einstein's most famous contributions to society are his numerous contributions to science. These contributions earned him a well-deserved Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. Later named the father of modern physics, Einstein wrote three theoretical papers that shaped physics. His primer paper made predictions about the movement of particles in liquid. The second paper discussed the proportion of energy to radiation. His third paper discussed the electrodynamics of moving bodies. All three of these documents were not helpful in the beginning. The general public and the science community both did not believe in them. They thought Einstein was "off his rocker." Eventually, after experimentation the public and science community believed him. The works of Einstein helped shape modern physics.

Relativity

Einstein did not only do work with physics, but he also comprised a theory of time and relativity. These theories state:

That space and time are not absolute, but relative. In other words, the theory suggests that measurements of distance and the passing of time change, depending on the position of the observer who is measuring them. The speed of light is always the same, regardless of its source or observer. Another [theory] is that, as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases. No object can move at the speed of light, for then its mass would be infinite. Relativity also says that a moving clock runs slower than a clock at rest. Yet another principle is that the length of a speeding object becomes shorter the faster it moves. (Heinrichs, 16-17)

Atom Bomb

Einstein's most important contribution to modern day society is his work with the atom bomb. Currently, the world is experiencing much turmoil. A few people are questioning the possible use of an atom bomb by terrorists or opposing nations; however, the possibility is slim to inexistent. Einstein discovered the dangerous power that an atom bomb contained. In the following letter, Einstein warned President Franklin D. Roosevelt about the research that the German's had conducted with the atom bomb, and the possible massive destruction that would occur if that research would be put to use.

This new phenomenon would also lead to the construction of bombs, and it is conceivable--though much less certain--that extremely powerful bombs of a new type may thus be constructed. A single bomb of this type, carried by boat and exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port together with some of the surrounding territory.(Jones)

Einstein's Contributions

In conclusion, Albert Einstein's worldview and scientific advancements helped shape western civilization. Einstein's skeptic views lead to people questioning everything. People began to believe that everything happened for a reason. Society has accepted the value of science. Today, when offered possible solutions to problems, society waits until scientific data could be presented. Einstein's worldview of utilitarianism is also linked to his view of the science community. He showed the science community that every experiment and observation should be used to help benefit society by creating more efficient machinery and better uses of current technology. Einstein's scientific advancements immensely changed the world. His observations led to more efficient machinery and a better understanding of the world around us. Einstein's theory of relativity began people questioning the concept of time and of objects in motion. Einstein's most important work was with the atom bomb and his letter to President Roosevelt. All in all, Einstein helped to shape Western society in a large variety of ways. Einstein changed the way of the entire world, creating a more efficient society. What have you done to contribute to the world? Are you just another breathing soul in the masses, or are you going to stand out above the rest and contribute to creating a better modern society?

Works Cited

• Einstein, Albert. The World As I See It. New York: Philosophical Library, 1949.
• "Goals of science & religion, and our understanding of life." Dec. 1999. 31 Jan 2003.
• Heinrichs, Ann. Albert Einstein. Wisconsin: World Almanac Library, 2002.
• Jones, Vincent. "Einstein's Letter to Roosevelt." U.S. Army in World War II Special Studies Manhattan: The Army and the Atomic Bomb. 22 March 2003.
• "Science and Philosophy." Nov. 1998. 3 Feb. 2003.
• Wolfson, Richard. Simply Einstein. New York: W.W.Norton & Company, 2003.

This webpage prepared for History and Thought of Western Man, Rich East High School.

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This webpage created by W. B. Last update, 22 April 2003.

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