Albert Einstein is widely recognized as one of the greatest scientists of all time, with his theories revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. He is often referred to as the father of modern physics and his name has become synonymous with genius. From his groundbreaking theories of relativity to his iconic equation, E=mc², Einstein’s contributions continue to shape the world of science.
Date of Birth & Age
Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, a city in the Kingdom of Württemberg, Germany. He was the first child of Hermann Einstein and Pauline Koch. Einstein’s birthday coincidentally falls on Pi Day, a day celebrated by math enthusiasts around the world. At the time of his birth, his family was living in a small apartment on Bahnhofstrasse in Ulm. As of 2021, Albert Einstein would have been 142 years old.
Residence, Birthplace & Country
After his birth, Albert Einstein’s family moved to Munich, where he spent most of his childhood. At the age of 15, he moved to Italy, where his family hoped he could finish his education at a Swiss school. However, due to issues with his school’s entrance exam, Einstein was forced to stay in Switzerland and complete his education there. During his stay in Switzerland, Einstein lived in various cities, including Zurich and Bern.
Despite living most of his adult life in different countries, Albert Einstein maintained ties with his birth country. In fact, Einstein became a Swiss citizen in 1901, where he lived and worked for most of his life. It was not until 1940, at the age of 61, that he became an American citizen.
Education & Profession
Albert Einstein’s early education took place in Munich, Germany, where he attended a Catholic elementary school. His parents moved the family to Italy in 1894, and Einstein continued his education in Aarau, Switzerland. In 1896, he began studying at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School, where he graduated in 1901 with a diploma in mathematics and physics.
After graduation, Einstein struggled to find a job within his field and spent two years working as a tutor and substitute teacher. In 1902, he secured a job as a patent office clerk in Bern, Switzerland, while also working on his groundbreaking theories in his free time. Throughout his career, Einstein held various academic positions at universities in Prague, Zurich, and Berlin. His most notable position was as a professor at the Berlin Academy of Sciences.
Brothers & Siblings
Albert Einstein had two younger siblings, Maja and Eduard. His sister Maja was born in 1881 and was known for her exceptional academic abilities, earning a PhD in Romance languages. She married a Swiss engineer, Paul Winteler, and had two sons. Maja and her family were very close to Einstein and even moved to Berlin with him when he accepted a position there. Sadly, Maja passed away in 1951 at the age of 69.
Eduard was born in 1910 and was nine years younger than Albert. He was a talented musician and composer but was plagued by mental health issues throughout his life. Einstein was very fond of his brother and often referred to him as the “pride of the family.” Eduard passed away in a psychiatric clinic in Switzerland in 1965.
Religion
Despite being born into a Jewish family, Albert Einstein did not practice any organized religion. In fact, he identified himself as an adherent of Spinoza’s pantheism, which suggests that God and the universe are essentially one and the same. He did, however, have a strong affinity for the Jewish culture and traditions. Einstein’s views on religion were quite controversial, with some considering him an atheist while others saw him as a religious skeptic.
Weight & Height
Albert Einstein had a slim and wiry frame, standing at 5’9″ tall. Throughout his life, he struggled with weight fluctuations due to a lack of physical activity and a love for sweets. His low body weight also led to rumors of him having a disease, but he was relatively healthy for most of his life. However, in his later years, Einstein’s health declined due to an aortic aneurysm, and his weight dropped significantly. He passed away on April 18, 1955, at the age of 76.
Category & Net Worth
Albert Einstein is often categorized as a physicist, mathematician, and philosopher. His contributions to the fields of physics and mathematics earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. However, his net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be only around $100,000. This is mainly because he did not acquire much wealth from his academic positions and chose to donate a significant portion of his income to charity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Albert Einstein most famous for?
A: Albert Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity, his iconic equation E=mc², and his groundbreaking research in the fields of theoretical physics and mathematics.
Q: Did Albert Einstein ever win a Nobel Prize?
A: Yes, Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, which is the phenomenon of electrons being ejected from a material when exposed to light or other electromagnetic radiation.
Q: Did Albert Einstein have any children?
A: Yes, Albert Einstein had three children. His first child, Lieserl, was born out of wedlock and passed away in infancy. He had two sons, Hans Albert and Eduard, with his first wife, Mileva Maric.
Q: What is the controversy surrounding Einstein’s religious beliefs?
A: Albert Einstein’s views on religion have been a subject of much controversy. His statements and writings can be interpreted as atheist or agnostic, but he also expressed a deep appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the universe, leading some to see him as a religious skeptic.
Q: What is the estimated IQ of Albert Einstein?
A: It is challenging to estimate the IQ of individuals who lived before the advent of IQ tests. However, experts estimate that Einstein’s IQ was between 160-190, making him one of the most intelligent people in history.
Q: Did Einstein ever receive any recognition for his contributions during his lifetime?
A: Yes, Albert Einstein received many honors and awards during his lifetime, including the Copley Medal, Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Franklin Medal. He was also offered the presidency of Israel, but he declined the offer.
Q: How did Einstein die?
A: Albert Einstein died of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a medical condition where a section of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart, balloons outward and can burst, causing internal bleeding. He was 76 years old.