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Sidelights on Relativity
In 1905, a German technical journal, Annalen der Physik, published a remarkable paper by a young clerk in the patent office at Berne, Switzerland. The clerk was Albert Einstein. The paper outlined his Special Theory of Relativity, a revolutionary physical theory which discarded the concept of absolute motion in favor of relative motion in the context of a four-dimensional continuum of space-time. It proved to be the most profound revolution in physics since Newton.
About ten years later, building on his earlier work, Einstein formulated the General Theory of Relativity in which he offered a new solution to the great problem of gravitation, postulating the non-Euclidean character of the space-time continuum. Together, the two theories constituted a radically reoriented way of looking at the physical universe, an approach that solved many of the unresolved difficulties of classical mechanics and paved the way for great advances in 20th-century physics.
This concise volume contains two addresses by Dr. Einstein outlining aspects of the theories. Ether and Relativity (1920), delivered at the University of Leyden, discusses the properties demanded of the ether of space by the theory of relativity. Geometry and Experience (1921), given at the Prussian Academy of Sciences, describes the limits within which the Euclidean or any other practical geometric system can be held to be approximately true in connection with the concept of a finite universe.
Both lectures are reprinted here complete and unabridged; both express elegant ideas in simple prose devoid of complicated equations or abstruse terminology; both offer scientists and laypeople unparalleled insight into the seminal thinking of the 20th century's greatest physicist.
About ten years later, building on his earlier work, Einstein formulated the General Theory of Relativity in which he offered a new solution to the great problem of gravitation, postulating the non-Euclidean character of the space-time continuum. Together, the two theories constituted a radically reoriented way of looking at the physical universe, an approach that solved many of the unresolved difficulties of classical mechanics and paved the way for great advances in 20th-century physics.
This concise volume contains two addresses by Dr. Einstein outlining aspects of the theories. Ether and Relativity (1920), delivered at the University of Leyden, discusses the properties demanded of the ether of space by the theory of relativity. Geometry and Experience (1921), given at the Prussian Academy of Sciences, describes the limits within which the Euclidean or any other practical geometric system can be held to be approximately true in connection with the concept of a finite universe.
Both lectures are reprinted here complete and unabridged; both express elegant ideas in simple prose devoid of complicated equations or abstruse terminology; both offer scientists and laypeople unparalleled insight into the seminal thinking of the 20th century's greatest physicist.
64 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1983
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About the author
Albert Einstein
913 books9,664 followersSpecial and general theories of relativity of German-born American theoretical physicist Albert Einstein revolutionized modern thought on the nature of space and time and formed a base for the exploitation of atomic energy; he won a Nobel Prize of 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
His paper of 1905 formed the basis of electronics. His first paper, also published in 1905, changed the world.
He completed his Philosophiae Doctor at the University of Zurich before 1909.
Einstein, a pacifist during World War I, stayed a firm proponent of social justice and responsibility.
Einstein thought that Newtonion mechanics no longer enough reconciled the laws of classical mechanics with those of the electromagnetic field. This thought led to the development. He recognized, however, that he ably also extended the principle to gravitational fields and with his subsequent theory of gravitation in 1916 published a paper. He continued to deal with problems of statistical mechanics and quantum theory, which led to his explanations of particle theory and the motion of molecules. He also investigated the thermal properties of light, which laid the foundation of the photon.
Best known for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2, dubbed "the world's most famous equation," he received "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect". The latter was pivotal in establishing quantum theory.
He visited the United States when Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933 and went not back to Germany. On the eve of World War II, he endorsed a letter, alerting Franklin Delano Roosevelt, president, to the potential development of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type" and recommending that the United States begin similar research. This recommendation eventually led to the Manhattan project. Einstein supported defending the Allied forces but largely denounced the idea of using the newly discovered nuclear fission as a weapon. Later, with Bertrand Russell–Einstein manifesto highlighted the danger of nuclear weapons.
After the rise of the Nazi party, Einstein made Princeton his permanent home as a citizen of United States in 1940. He chaired the emergency committee of atomic scientists, which organized to alert the public to the dangers of warfare.
At a symposium, he advised:
("Science, Philosophy and Religion, A Symposium," published by the Conference on Science, Philosophy and Religion in their Relation to the Democratic Way of Life, Inc., New York, 1941).
In a letter to philosopher Eric Gutkind, dated 3 January 1954, Einstein stated:
(The Guardian, "Childish superstition: Einstein's letter makes view of religion relatively clear," by James Randerson, May 13, 2008)
Great intellectual achievements and originality made the word "Einstein" synonymous with genius.
The institute for advanced study in Princeton, New Jersey, affiliated Einstein until his death in 1955.
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_E...
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobe
His paper of 1905 formed the basis of electronics. His first paper, also published in 1905, changed the world.
He completed his Philosophiae Doctor at the University of Zurich before 1909.
Einstein, a pacifist during World War I, stayed a firm proponent of social justice and responsibility.
Einstein thought that Newtonion mechanics no longer enough reconciled the laws of classical mechanics with those of the electromagnetic field. This thought led to the development. He recognized, however, that he ably also extended the principle to gravitational fields and with his subsequent theory of gravitation in 1916 published a paper. He continued to deal with problems of statistical mechanics and quantum theory, which led to his explanations of particle theory and the motion of molecules. He also investigated the thermal properties of light, which laid the foundation of the photon.
Best known for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2, dubbed "the world's most famous equation," he received "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect". The latter was pivotal in establishing quantum theory.
He visited the United States when Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933 and went not back to Germany. On the eve of World War II, he endorsed a letter, alerting Franklin Delano Roosevelt, president, to the potential development of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type" and recommending that the United States begin similar research. This recommendation eventually led to the Manhattan project. Einstein supported defending the Allied forces but largely denounced the idea of using the newly discovered nuclear fission as a weapon. Later, with Bertrand Russell–Einstein manifesto highlighted the danger of nuclear weapons.
After the rise of the Nazi party, Einstein made Princeton his permanent home as a citizen of United States in 1940. He chaired the emergency committee of atomic scientists, which organized to alert the public to the dangers of warfare.
At a symposium, he advised:
"In their struggle for the ethical good, teachers of religion must have the stature to give up the doctrine of a personal God, that is, give up that source of fear and hope which in the past placed such vast power in the hands of priests. In their labors they will have to avail themselves of those forces which are capable of cultivating the Good, the True, and the Beautiful in humanity itself. This is, to be sure a more difficult but an incomparably more worthy task... "
("Science, Philosophy and Religion, A Symposium," published by the Conference on Science, Philosophy and Religion in their Relation to the Democratic Way of Life, Inc., New York, 1941).
In a letter to philosopher Eric Gutkind, dated 3 January 1954, Einstein stated:
"The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honorable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this."
(The Guardian, "Childish superstition: Einstein's letter makes view of religion relatively clear," by James Randerson, May 13, 2008)
Great intellectual achievements and originality made the word "Einstein" synonymous with genius.
The institute for advanced study in Princeton, New Jersey, affiliated Einstein until his death in 1955.
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_E...
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
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March 27, 2018This is really not a book as in edited monologue but a transcript of some sort based on two lectures Einstein gave.
March 1, 2012
An exceptional historic document composed of two distinct addresses by Albert Einstein.
Firstly, recounting the stumbling of Physical Science from Newton's theory to his own: the intrinsic relation of matter and energy; and how the influence of problems derived from Hertz's investigations in electro-dynamics made this possible, thanks to Lorentz through Maxwell's equations. Secondly, the fundamental question for the character of Mathematics as a valid description of reality -particularly in the field of Geometry. Plus a beautiful explanation of what an infinite universe, that is, an unbounded sphere, means.
Perhaps equally important, there remains the question of how physics experiments are tainted by wrong philosophical approaches -now, at a time in which Philosophy is unconsidered or relegated to the dark places of Theology.
Accessible to anyone (as for the large part of Einstein's public work) this is a beautiful document and a personal recommendation for lunch time!
Firstly, recounting the stumbling of Physical Science from Newton's theory to his own: the intrinsic relation of matter and energy; and how the influence of problems derived from Hertz's investigations in electro-dynamics made this possible, thanks to Lorentz through Maxwell's equations. Secondly, the fundamental question for the character of Mathematics as a valid description of reality -particularly in the field of Geometry. Plus a beautiful explanation of what an infinite universe, that is, an unbounded sphere, means.
Perhaps equally important, there remains the question of how physics experiments are tainted by wrong philosophical approaches -now, at a time in which Philosophy is unconsidered or relegated to the dark places of Theology.
Accessible to anyone (as for the large part of Einstein's public work) this is a beautiful document and a personal recommendation for lunch time!
May 1, 2011
If you want to know anything about the basics of relativity, Einstein's pretty much the only one to read. He brings an unusual and remarkable clarity to his own work without grandstanding.
This short bit combines two lectures from the early 1920s answering some of the inherent queries on his recent work. The first deals with the idea of the "ether" which his work both discredited and, as he shows, retained in its essence. The second shows, remarkably, that you CAN envision a finite unbounded universe. The analogy he uses also hints at the holographic outlook on the universe that popped up some decades later. There was little that Einstein didn't presage in one way or another. There's also in quick side comment that indicates he was not so put off by quantum theory as is sometimes suggested.
This short bit combines two lectures from the early 1920s answering some of the inherent queries on his recent work. The first deals with the idea of the "ether" which his work both discredited and, as he shows, retained in its essence. The second shows, remarkably, that you CAN envision a finite unbounded universe. The analogy he uses also hints at the holographic outlook on the universe that popped up some decades later. There was little that Einstein didn't presage in one way or another. There's also in quick side comment that indicates he was not so put off by quantum theory as is sometimes suggested.
July 29, 2016
The essays were a bit hard to understand, especially the first one where Einstein talked about the idea of the "luminiferous ether" which is no longer accepted today. But I had read Carl Sagan's explanation of it (and of Maxwell's Electromagnetic Theory) in both Cosmos and The Demon-Haunted World, and that made understanding Einstein's essays easier for me -- though it certainly wasn't a walk in the park. The popularization of Science really goes a long way into making hard concepts easier to digest, and in a way more fun, for the general public. :)
November 2, 2012
Short but very interesting and surprisingly clear! It really brings out Einstein's ability to explain difficult concepts in a way which pretty much confirms one of his quotes:
"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself."
(At least I think he really said it, you can never be sure these days.)
"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself."
(At least I think he really said it, you can never be sure these days.)
February 7, 2014
Comprised of two lectures delivered at the University of Leyden (1920) and the Prussian Academy of Sciences (1921),
Sidelights on Relativity is probably best served to gluttons. (I count myself among them.) "Ether and Relativity" is his rebuttal of the idea of a universal "ether" through which things move, and "Geometry and Experience" applies the ideas of what was then the new geometry to the concept of a finite universe. Like I said...
The are also a few more inclusively phrased nuggets of interest -- "As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality," an idea being radically challenged these days by Max Tegmark and others -- but if you don't either make a living from or otherwise geek out on physics theory, you're more likely to have an inspiring time with Einstein's Out of My Later Years .
(Quoted from #SmallBooksMonth )
Sidelights on Relativity is probably best served to gluttons. (I count myself among them.) "Ether and Relativity" is his rebuttal of the idea of a universal "ether" through which things move, and "Geometry and Experience" applies the ideas of what was then the new geometry to the concept of a finite universe. Like I said...
The are also a few more inclusively phrased nuggets of interest -- "As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality," an idea being radically challenged these days by Max Tegmark and others -- but if you don't either make a living from or otherwise geek out on physics theory, you're more likely to have an inspiring time with Einstein's Out of My Later Years .
(Quoted from #SmallBooksMonth )
October 26, 2010
Fascinating lay explanations of Einstein's relativity theories from the man himself, including contextual (and competing) information relevant to the breakthroughs. No prerequisite mathematics knowledge needed, though comfort with basic kinetic Euclidian/Newtonian celestial motion (such as basic geometry and gravity) as well as abstract critical thinking skills are highly recommended.
Overall: 4 of 5.
Overall: 4 of 5.
March 23, 2011
This book is for anyone. This gives a nice context to Relativity, without actually explaining much about it, but by through two relevant stories (one about the theory of light and the other about the transition to non-euclidean geometries), Einstein, the man himself, gives an accessible potted scientific history of the past century and a half.
Most recommended, I dont have a maths or science background and you don't need one for this book.
Most recommended, I dont have a maths or science background and you don't need one for this book.
September 16, 2007
A skinny little book containing a pair of lectures on, well, sidelights on Relativity. Interesting notes on the historical development of scientific theory and on visualizing non-Euclidean geometry in a meaningful way. When I first read it back in school, I found it to be a great appendix to our assigned readings. It is less valuable standing on it's own.
March 18, 2016
este libro que por primera vez entiendo completamente contiene dos presentaciones en universidades distintas de la visión de Einstein sobre lo que son los problemas teóricos y su hobbie, los problemas teóricos mentales, como llegó a la idea de la relatividad y lo que las matemáticas le aportaron a su pensamiento. Gran libro!
December 29, 2021
I explored this with the feelings that I am reading Albert Einstein's point of view. It holds true in being as concrete as much as his work bares to be. A masterful work translated here to help undestand what or why his belief in relativity is and written in a modernist simple terms using physics involved to greatly inform readers it's encompassing impact to the world as we know it.
July 25, 2013
A great deal of its I didn't understand, not deep enough at least.
I really loved his temper of mind, though. Despite of him being a "natural scientist", he sounds much more Platonic and aesthetically obsessed than most British philosophers do.
I really loved his temper of mind, though. Despite of him being a "natural scientist", he sounds much more Platonic and aesthetically obsessed than most British philosophers do.
September 14, 2018
Fascinating. Two thoughts
1. It is impossible to approach science without philosophy. They aren't interchangeable, but they are inseparable.
2. The theory of general relativity, statistically speaking, is something we are more mathematically certain of than anything else in the world.
1. It is impossible to approach science without philosophy. They aren't interchangeable, but they are inseparable.
2. The theory of general relativity, statistically speaking, is something we are more mathematically certain of than anything else in the world.
September 27, 2012
Sadly, this short book does nothing to really expand on Einstein's theory. It was more like a brief summary of Relativity rather than any independant sidelights.
July 29, 2013
Interesante lectura pero no para los no iniciados.
October 11, 2015
A fascinating look into the thinking of a great mind in the midst of his time.
December 21, 2014
A rather educational ride.
December 31, 2014
I really liked it. I'm by no means a physics expert but Einstein's approachable style made it illuminating and entertaining.
Read
August 21, 2016A very concise document of two addresses by Einstein in the early 20th century. Fascinating and thought provoking!
July 26, 2017
The man was a genius and probably a bit insane, but this was an interesting read!
April 30, 2018
Another audiobook listened to in the lab. It was like getting a lecture from Einstein himself, but read by someone else.
May 7, 2019
Ngulang 2 kali, cuma paham dikit
November 25, 2020
This book was not what I thought it would be about but touched on my favorite subjects. Throughout reading it, I repeatedly had the thought that it comes right up to the precipice of truth without surmounting it. Engrossed by the subject in a way I had never heard it explained before, I began taking notes on my shower door, it was the only thing I had to take notes on at the time. Had I realized how amazing the book was, I might have gone to get paper. As it is I didn’t and will simply have to read it again. Had he lived to today, he might have seen the truth inside what he was trying to grasp. Space is both infinite and finite. Today we know that there is a possibility of different kinds of space within our reality. That each type of space is limited to the boundaries of its existence, and that they come right up to the edges of each other before stopping. Within these spaces are area’s in which we wouldn’t be able to exist at all. While interdimensional theor y spans different realities, until now the existence of them within the same reality has seldom been discussed. The idea that multiple realities can exist within the same space is one that I’ve never been fond of but seems to hold weight non-the-less. If, as he states, the mind and the body are two separate realities than there is a perfect example of two realities existing in the same space. Our Reality= space/mass/time/perception, while in other parts of our universe any one of these things may not exist. I didn't realize until I was finished with the book who had written it, and it came as a pleasant surprise. While this is one of my favorite subjects to delve into, I have a deadline to meet for books. So, I’ll make a point to reread the book later, and until then be content with my fractured thoughts on the subject. It should be said that while A book read only once can teach us only a fraction. At this point I'd say I know enough on the subject to have a long way to go.
December 29, 2019
What is aether and this gap in geometry??
March 5, 2020
Amusing short read
Love me being reminded of a time where scientists firmly believed that space was composed of aether and not a vacuum lol
Love me being reminded of a time where scientists firmly believed that space was composed of aether and not a vacuum lol
August 1, 2022
This is my first time reading Einstein and much of the verbage is over my head, but I got the gist of the idea of relativity for the first time. Thanks Albert!
January 17, 2026
He is really really good at communicating
May 12, 2024
Two speeches related to the Special and the General Theory of Relativity, given by the greatest physicist of the 20th century, transferred into reading pages.
The lectures are clear and deep, making those scientific concepts understandable to a wider audience. I’m currently re-reading Einstein's biography so this read was a valuable complement to his biography.
It’s a valuable resource for everyone interested in Einstein’s ground-breaking theories and their impact on modern physics.
The lectures are clear and deep, making those scientific concepts understandable to a wider audience. I’m currently re-reading Einstein's biography so this read was a valuable complement to his biography.
It’s a valuable resource for everyone interested in Einstein’s ground-breaking theories and their impact on modern physics.
June 28, 2021
Will have to reread this. I listened to it as an audiobook and did not comprehend most of it. What little I did understand was useful though.
September 21, 2022
Includes Ether and the Theory of Relativity
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews