Every so often a news story arises where a scientist claims to have either confirmed or denied one of the theories proposed by Albert Einstein over a century ago. This persistent fascination with his work is not merely a modern phenomenon; it started during his lifetime, highlighting his status as both a “star” and a celebrity.
The Celebrity Physicist
How did a theoretical physicist become so renowned? Forget Adele and Taylor Swift; beneath Einstein’s casual hair lies the biggest pop-rock star of the 20th century! His story is captivating: a young Jewish boy who struggled with shyness and speech, barely passed his exams, and, upon graduation, struggled to find work. He eventually took a mundane job at a patent office, but within three years, he would go on to revolutionize the world of physics forever.
Einstein’s Tours
During the 1920s and 1930s, Einstein was often on tour. Remarkably, he was outside Germany when the Nazis came to power, which likely saved his life due to their infamous desire to persecute him. His travels led to humorous and memorable anecdotes.
In Spain, for example, public excitement reached a fever pitch. Historian Julio Camba described a packed auditorium at the Faculty of Sciences, stating that every attendee admired Einstein immensely but would struggle to articulate why. His fame exploded, evident when a street vendor recognized him and shouted, “Long live the inventor of the automobile!” showcasing Einstein’s popularity even among common folk.
The Groupies and the Haters
No rock star is complete without their groupies, and the same was true for Einstein. In 1978, editor Steven Levy was tasked with tracking down Einstein’s brain, which had become a topic of fascination. After a nationwide search, he located coroner Thomas S. Harvey, who revealed he had taken Einstein’s brain without family consent, sharing it across the United States for over three decades. Such zeal illustrates the fervor surrounding Einstein’s legacy.
However, Einstein also faced significant scrutiny, as evidenced by a smear campaign led by renowned detractors. Among them were infamous critics like those who participated in Nazi book burnings. When met with the proclamation of “100 scientists against Einstein,” he wittily retorted, “One hundred? Why so many? If I were wrong, only one would be enough…”. Such cleverness only added to his endearing persona.
Einstein in Popular Culture
Anecdotes about Einstein further illustrate his cultural stature. It is said that during a social event, Marilyn Monroe suggested a marriage and a child to him, claiming that their offspring would inherit a blend of beauty and intelligence. To which Einstein supposedly replied, “Unfortunately, I fear that the experiment will go the other way, and we will end up with a son with my beauty and intelligence.” Although likely apocryphal, this tale highlights his larger-than-life presence.
The Legacy of Einstein
Einstein’s impact transcends pure scientific achievement; he became a symbol of peace, creativity, and the responsible application of science for humanity’s benefit. As we continue to celebrate his legacy, we should remember his wisdom: “Rest and be relatively good.”
In Xataka, we explore more about Einstein’s life, from his lesser-known hobbies to groundbreaking discoveries that still affect our understanding of the universe.