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Here's a letter a young Einstein wrote to his pal. The first paragraph shows a rather light-hearted tone, more like a friendly banter than that of a typical egghead. And what about the second paragraph? Those 'papers'? "A modification of the theory of space and time"? Holy shit! Dear Habicht, Such a solemn air of silence has descended between us that I almost feel as if I am committing a sacrilege when I break it now with some inconsequential babble. So, what are you up to, you frozen whale, you smoked, dried, canned piece of soul? Why have you still not sent me your dissertation? Don't you know that I am one of the 1.5 fellows who would read it with interest and pleasure, you wretched man? I promise you four papers in return. The first deals with radiation and the energy properties of light and is very revolutionary, as you will see if you send me your work first. The second paper is a determination of the true sizes of atoms. The third proves that bodies on the order of magnitude 1/1000 mm, suspended in liquids, must already perform an observable random motion that is produced by thermal motion. The fourth paper is only a rough draft at this point, and is an electrodynamics of moving bodies which employs a modification of the theory of space and time. And later in life he wrote this gorgeousness: The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead, a snuffed-out candle. To sense that behind anything that can be experienced there is something that our minds cannot grasp, whose beauty and sublimity reaches us only indirectly: this is religiousness. In this sense, and in this sense only, I am a devoutly religious man. Just for fun, let's compare/contrast with: I very seriously doubt that Einstein himself really knows what he is driving at. The outcome of this doubt and befogged speculation about time and space is a cloak beneath which hides the ghastly apparition of atheism. - Cardinal William Henry O'Connell And later, witnessing the rise of Hitler, Albert shot off this email to FDR: Hey Frank, c-squared ya dipshit, c-squared! That's a whole lotta motherfuckin' bango django. So we should figure out how to bake that cake before the other guys do and blow out our candles, yo! Love Bertie The last one, not really. But it's a close approximation. Einstein's early letter to Habicht reveals his inquisitive and somewhat mischievous nature. His promise of four papers showcases his intellectual productivity even at a young age. The later writings, both his profound thoughts on the mysterious and the supposed email to FDR (even if fictionalized), add to the complex and fascinating image of Einstein. The comparison with Cardinal O'Connell's view highlights the different perspectives on Einstein's work. Overall, these snippets offer a glimpse into the mind and life of one of the greatest scientific minds in history.
