ALBERT EINSTEIN AT SCHOOL

PATRICK PRINGLE
ALBERT EINSTEIN
Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German-born
theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two
pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His work is
also known for its influence on the philosophy of science.He is best
known to the general public for his mass–energy equivalence formula E =
mc2, which has been dubbed "the world's most famous equation". He
received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services to theoretical
physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric
effect",a pivotal step in the development of quantum theory.
QUESTIONS
1. What is Albert Einstein’s ‘theory of
education’?
2. How did Elsa try to motivate Albert Einstein?
3. Going back to his lodgings did not cheer him
up.’Why?
4. Why does the biographer refer to Albert’s
interest in music as a ‘comfort’?
QUESTIONS
1. How did Yuri help him in his plan?
2. How did Albert hope to get admission to an Italian
college without a diploma from the German
school?
3. What reason did the head teacher give for
expelling Albert from school?
4. Describe Albert’s meeting with Ernst Weil.
LONG ANSWER
Briefly discuss Einstein’s character based on the lesson.

● Albert Einstein - one of the greatest scientists of all times.

● As a young student, Einstein showed the sparks of his genius- his
Mathematics teacher had great respect for his ability.
● Einstein was not interested in knowing factual details of historical events
but their causes and effects, which infuriated his history - exchange
between Einstein and the teacher shows his unwillingness to compromise
on his views, risking punishment - his straightforwardness.
● Yuri paid Albert’s virtue of honesty a compliment by calling him, ‘the world’s
worst liar’.
● Albert Einstein also loved music. He played the violin for his joy and
comfort.
● Albert abhorred violence and was unhappy in his lodgings - slum violence.
SUMMARY
● The chapter opens in History class where Mr. Braun is asking Einstein a
question related to dates. Einstein gives a frank reply that he does not
remember the answer.
● The conversation between Einstein and his history teacher Mr. Braun turns
unpleasant when the teacher talks in a sarcastic manner about Einstein’s
theory of education. The teacher calls him a disgrace and punishes him.
● Einstein feels very miserable due to many factors: the school environment,
the place where he lived, etc.
● The atmosphere where he lives is also depressing. He hates the atmosphere
of ‘slum violence’ where the beating of children by their mother and the
beating of a wife by a drunk husband is a regular feature.
● Einstein discusses about all this with his friend Yuri who lives in a shared
room.
● Yuri says that his lodging was no better than Einstein’s, as students became
violent over small matters, sometimes resulting in death.
● Einstein discusses about the problems at school with his cousin
Elsa who occasionally visited him.
● Elsa thinks that it is easy to pass the examinations by
remembering facts even though he does not understand them.
● Einstein is greatly interested in reading books on science. Elsa
points out to him that reading those books will not help him to
pass his examination.
● Einstein discusses with Yuri about getting a medical certificate
from a doctor so that he can stay away from his school.
● Yuri sends him to a newly qualified doctor, Ernst Weil. He is an
understanding person and gives a certificate stating that Einstein
has a nervous breakdown and should keep away from school for
six months.
● Yuri suggests to Einstein to meet his Maths teacher first for a
reference before Einstein went to meet the head teacher with the
medical certificate.
● Einstein’s Maths teacher, Mr Koch, appreciates his brilliance. He gives
a glowing reference to Einstein which can get him admission in a
college or institute for higher education in Maths.
● Einstein is called by the head teacher who informs him that he is
being expelled from the school citing his indisciplined behaviour in
class.
● Einstein happily leaves the school with head held high. He does not
bid goodbye to any teacher or student of that school.
● Before leaving for Milan, he meets his best friend Yuri, who wishes
him good luck for the future.
THANK YOU