Caltech has recently announced the release of a new volume of Einstein's papers. These cover about fifteen months of his life, including unpublished letters. Some of his writings indicate a desire for "a normal life." Einstein's writings are dated just after the announcement of his Nobel Prize nomination. Understandably, they seem to convey feelings of fear and weariness at his new found celebrity. More amazingly, they suggest that he was fearful for his safety at the time. The papers give an interesting insight into the emotions felt by such a genius away from the public sphere.
Imagine if Einstein had decided to leave academics at this point.
http://www.futurity.org/society-culture/new-einstein-papers-he-feared-for-his-safety/
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ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting stuff. Especially the bit about Einstein being afraid for his safety. I saw this GIF on Reddit awhile back, of Obama being surprised by his daughters after his DNC speech (http://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/zib8u/michelle_and_the_girls_sneaking_up_on_obama_after/). The initial look of surprise and fear on his face before he recognizes his family is telling of how much stress must go into the job of being the President of the United States. A Reddit commenter named CityWithoutMen brings up the Sword of Damocles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damocles#The_sword_of_Damocles).
ReplyDeleteA short summary of that story: A courtier of Dionysus II of Syracuse by the name of Damocles once told the tyrant how fortunate he was to be ruler. Dionysus offered to let Damocles sit on his throne, but ordered that first a sword must be hung point down over the throne, attached to the ceiling by only a horsehair. The intent was to simulate the unease a ruler feels knowing that at any moment, someone might try to kill you for your power. Damocles didn't feel quite so fortunate anymore, sitting on that throne.