Chapter 1: The Early Years of Albert Einstein

The release of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023) has sparked a renewed fascination with scientific history, including the life of Albert Einstein. This extraordinary physicist stands as one of the most pivotal figures of the twentieth century. Despite his fame, there are numerous intriguing details about him that remain largely unknown.

1. Einstein's Late Start in Speaking

Einstein’s childhood was not as extraordinary as one might assume. Remarkably, he did not utter his first words until he was three years old. While most children begin to speak between twelve and eighteen months, young Einstein lagged behind, causing concern for his parents. After consulting a doctor, they were reassured that he was developing normally. Although he eventually began to speak, he struggled with public speaking throughout his life.

2. The Musical Side of Einstein

Einstein’s mother, a skilled pianist, encouraged him to learn the violin, hoping to create a musical partnership. He began his lessons at six but did not take the instrument seriously until he turned thirteen, inspired by Mozart. The violin became a cherished part of his life, and he was quite disheartened when an injury in his lab prevented him from playing.

This video provides a fun biography of Albert Einstein, perfect for younger audiences, detailing some little-known facts about his life.

3. Academic Challenges Faced by Einstein

Despite his brilliance, Einstein faced challenges in his academic journey. At just sixteen, he took the entrance exams for the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School but failed in subjects like languages, zoology, and botany. His strong performance in mathematics and physics led to a recommendation to study at the Swiss Cantonal School in Aarau, where he eventually earned his diploma and successfully re-applied.

4. Einstein’s Sockless Lifestyle

Known for his casual attire and iconic messy hair, Einstein had an unusual fashion quirk: he didn’t wear socks. The reasons behind this choice seem to stem from his annoyance with the holes often found in his socks, particularly those created by his big toes. This eccentricity only added to his "mad scientist" persona, although it's unclear how strictly he adhered to this fashion statement.

5. A Surprising Presidential Offer

Born into a non-observant Jewish family, Einstein faced anti-Semitism in academia and fled Germany in the early 1930s, settling in the United States. In 1952, following the death of Israel’s President Chaim Weizmann, Einstein was approached to become his successor. Despite his fame and contributions to science, he declined the offer due to health concerns and a lack of political experience. Yitzhak Ben-Zvi was appointed as the new President.

This video discusses who Albert Einstein was, focusing on fascinating facts for children, making his life story accessible to younger viewers.

Sources:

• Einstein: A Life (1996) by Denis Brian
• Albert Einstein: A Biography (1998) by Albrecht Fölsing
• Albert Einstein: A Short Biography (2005) by R. K. Murthi