Albert Einstein was one of the most influential scientists of the past few centuries, and he certainly wins the prize for the 20th century. His discoveries, theories, and research has all but made him a household name in almost every country across the world. But, what was it about Einstein that allowed him to become one of the most successful scientists of all-time? That’s what we aim to uncover in this Albert Einstein success story.
“A Person Who Has Never Made A Mistake Has Never Tried Anything New.”
– albert einstein –
We believe ever success story leaves traces of wisdom that we can all benefit from. Every story has it’s own insights that can help you gain an advantage. Some are obvious, and some are hidden. But if you look closely enough, you’ll find something you can use. That said, if you’re ready to see what you can learn from Albert Einstein’s story, then let’s dive right in:
THE ALBERT EINSTEIN STORY
Early Days
Albert Einstein was born in 1879 in Ulm, Germany but primarily grew up in Munich. His father was an businessman who’s work was in the field of electrical engineering, and his mother was a pianist and their caretaker.
Einstein attended a Catholic school in his younger years, and then would eventually attend the Luitpold-Gymnasium. Einstein’s formative years also included home lessons coordinated by his mother in the study of Judaism and learning how to play the violin.[1]
He was a naturally gifted student, especially in math and science where he’d often ranked highest of his class in the early years of school. On the other hand, language and history were not his strong points.
However, Einstein was also extremely curious, and that curiosity and his disdain for authority, likely made life difficult for his teachers. In fact, Einstein’s curiosity would eventually lead him to get ahead of the learning curve when he began teaching himself various subjects like geometry and physics.
When Einstein was about 15, his father would move the family to Italy after his business in Germany faltered. The family would move around a bit, and they eventually settled in Pavia, Italy, while Einstein would finish his secondary schooling in Switzerland.
Einstein would finish out his schooling at a Swiss Federal Polytechnic school to earn himself a teaching diploma for math and physics.
Life After School
In 1900, when Albert Einstein was around 21 years of age, he struggled to find work as a teacher for almost two whole years. During that time, Albert had found love, with a Serbian women from his school. Her name was Mileva Meric, and he wanted to marry her, but without work, he waited.
Fortunately, he eventually found a steady job as a patent evaluator in a Swiss Patent Office. The job offered a steady paycheck which signaled to Einstein that the time was right to get married and start a family. Einstein would eventually have three children with Mileva, with the first likely put up for adoption.
The job was also a blessing Einstein, because it allowed him significant down-time which the young Einstein would diligently use to conduct many thought experiments and research.[2]
Einstein’s Rise
In 1905, after just a handful of years working in the patent office, Einstein would eventually make himself known to the world. During this time, he published four ground-breaking papers in physics. The published works caught the attention of other academics and scientists, and propelled Einstein into the limelight of Academia.
By 1908 he was recognized as one of the most influential scientists in Europe, thus landing him new opportunities as a lecturer for the University of Bern. That said, it was in 1915 when he finished his general theory of relativity. And it was from here on out, that Einstein’s professional career would rapidly progress into many different positions across Europe.
Now considered a preeminent authority in physics, Einstein easily landed a professorship in Prague, then one in Zurich just a few short years after, and then one in Berlin. Einstein was on top of the world academically speaking, and in 1921 he would get awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect.
Einstein’s Exodus
In the early 1930’s big changes were happening in Germany. And by late 1932 Germany was transitioning from a Democracy into a Dictatorship, which was eventually realized when Adolph Hitler came to power in 1933. Shortly after Hitler’s rise to power, anyone who was Jewish was not allowed to hold position of power or prestige. Einstein, being one of the biggest names in academics at the time was beginning to get targeted.
As such, Albert Einstein resigned from his professorship in Berlin and emigrated to the United States. He soon found work with Princeton University.
Einstein continued to his work and research for many years in the states. He helped confirm the possibility of splitting atoms with his famous E=MC2 formula; which combined with a letter he co-wrote to President Roosevelt, ultimately led to the start of the United States’ development of the atomic bomb.
Einstein, would teach, research, and write about physics for the next 22 years in the United States of America until his death at the age of 76.
Albert Einstein’s Success Ethos
Much of Albert Einstein’s success stems from his innate fascination with math, science, and physics. There’s no doubt that he had an extremely high IQ (approximately 160), and although he was great at every subject, Einstein really excelled in the subjects he loved.
That said, if there is one observable aspect related to Einstein’s success and achievements, aside from his natural genius, is his ability to focus and sit with problems for long periods of time. Many say that his focus stemmed from is mother’s encouragement to play the violin at an early age.[3] While other’s give credit to his extraordinary curiosity with God’s structuring of the Universe.
So, how did Einstein achieve so much in his life time? In short; he following his natural talents, leveraged his curiosities, and utilized his ability to focus on problems for long periods of time to sort out some of the toughest scientific problems of his day.
Here’s what he thought about success in his own words:
So, in a nutshell, success according to Albert Einstein has much to do with aiming to add value to others with your work, using your imagination, being willing to make mistakes, staying curious but focused, and persevering.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the Albert Einstein success story that describes his inspiring journey — going from a bright young student who struggled in some subjects, but excelled in others, a man who struggled for a while to make a living for himself, but found work but ultimately stayed committed to his curiosities which made room for him; and eventually leading him to his great discoveries and fame.
We also briefly touched on the qualities that helped Einstein create the massive achievements he’s come to be known for all across the world, and provided a glimpse of what he thought were his secrets to success. Here they are again as a quick recap to answer the question about how Albert Einstein became the icon of science and physics that he’ll always be remembered for :
Curiosity | Concentration | Imagination | Perseverance
You now have a handful of key Albert Einstein success insights, that you likely didn’t have before. Hopefully you can use them to create your own remarkable life.
Till you reach your aims,
STRIVE
