If you're looking for an interesting way to pass a couple hours, set your DVRs to grab "Einstein" on the History Channel. I knew the basics behind Einstein's life, but learned a lot from this program.
I think part of Einstein's legacy - due to his charisma and the enormity of his intellect - was that he just sat down at his desk and breathed out these incredible works. In fact, he had to overcome a lot and struggle for his success.
Some of the things I learned:
- Einstein was seen as average by his teachers and had a hard time getting a job after graduating. His father tried to get him a job as a college professor after Einstein graduated, to no avail.
- Einstein used his free time after he completed his work at the Swiss Patent Office to hone his skills and advance his work in physics. This work in his "spare" time eventually led to his "miracle year".
- Einstein had help. Much of his early work was done collaboratively with his wife.
- Einstein labored. His work ethic was as great as his genius - more evidence that no matter what types of gifts you are born with, you still need hard work to make it pay off.
- Einstein was confident. He knew he was doing quality work and even promised his first wife the full amount of his Nobel Prize as alimony - years before he actually won the Prize.
- Einstein was lucky. Without a few lucky breaks along the way, it's unlikely that Einstein would've risen to the levels of success and celebrity that he ultimately enjoyed.
More here: http://tinyurl.com/6m3bpo