Einstein

Albert Einstein was a pioneering physicist who arguably gave classical mechanics the face lift it desperately needed at the turn of the 20^th century. He provided us with the elegant theories of relativity describing gravitational fields of large objects, as well as the wave-particle duality nature of small objects such as photons which exhibit the wave like properties of light:

Einstein's work involved his relativity theories on gravitational fields of large objects such as stars, as well as the wave-particle like properties of light.

Einstein spent his remaining time searching for a theory which reconciles relativity with quantum mechanics, thus providing a complete description of the universe, which to this day remains an unsolved problem in frontier physical cosmology. I covered this problem in my previous entry entitled ‘Gravity’, indeed we have some exciting and imaginative ideas which provide theoretical solutions, but lack experimental evidence.

 

Also, in his later years Einstein dedicated his time to seeking the abolishment of nuclear arms post World War II, an unfortunate product of his infamous equation E = mc²  which he was deeply saddened about. Indeed, Einstein’s work should not be used this way, scientific endeavour should provide hope and wonder, not panic and fear. Einstein was very aware of the impact his work had on future generations to come and made public addresses discussing this issue:

Einstein's public address regarding the abolishment of nuclear arms, promoting a world government formation post World War II.

If we were fortunate to still have Einstein with us would he have found a solution? Possibly, he certainly had an imaginative way of thinking that may have brought us closer. Maybe if he wasn’t distracted with his political endeavours of seeking nuclear abolishment, he would have had a clearer mind and more time?

 

Perhaps not enough scientists take similar risks and play it safe? But maybe this is just survival bias? For every Einstein like scientist there are thousands more that attempted risky ideas and failed, this makes for boring mainstream media coverage and are thus forgotten about. Maybe science is too vein? Every failure perhaps damages egos and reputations therefore risks aren’t worth the endeavour. I’m not convinced about this as science is bringing imaginative ideas some of which were discussed in ‘Gravity’, not to mention science beyond physical cosmology. Einstein was ridiculed in the physics community for his relativity theories, only now we are beginning to prove him correct. 

 

Perhaps businesses no longer invest in risky scientific ideas? Science brings innovation which in turn brings business development and employment, this can then be synergistically reinvested to increase innovation. Science has a plethora of risky ideas that could solve a lot of problems but maybe lacking the investment needed to pursue these ideas, it's a shame if this is true. In line with Einstein’s vision, efforts in nuclear arms development could and should be redirected to support the good of mankind collectively. There is no need to argue over Earth resources given that risky scientific endeavours could bring us closer to the free real estate of the cosmos.

 

Regardless as to whether these opinions have any truth attached to them. We could learn a lot from Einstein in terms of imagination. Interestingly, Einstein would often seek inspiration musically, he played violin and was influenced by the works of Johann Sebastien Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, he often thought of his life and ideas in music:

Einstein sought inspiration musically and enjoyed the works of Bach and Mozart.

Whatever our profession in life is, I feel Einstein’s teachings expand beyond science, as a result we should seek to nurture our imaginations and share them. In line with Einstein’s visions we could solve many mysteries of the universe bringing new innovation and of course raise further cosmological questions peacefully.