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Einstein's Mistakes: The Human Failings of Genius
“A thought-provoking critique of Einstein’s tantalizing combination of brilliance and blunder.”—Andrew Robinson, New ScientistNever before translated into English, the Manimekhalai is one of the great classics of Indian culture.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 9, 2012
Albert Einstein was a genius. Time after time, he made theoretical leaps and discoveries that were decades ahead of the work his contemporaries were doing. He also made some colossal, amazingly bone-headed errors. In fact, according to Dr. Ohanian, a physicist himself, out of 180 scientific papers published by Einstein over his lifetime, a full 40 of them had mistakes, some of which were trifling, but many of which were significant. 40 out of 180 - that's almost a quarter of his output! Not only that, but his doctoral dissertation alone had over thirty math errors. If the greatest physicist of the 20th-century (and the second-greatest of all time, after only Sir Isaac Newton) can mess up that frequently and still be lauded as a genius, I figure a few mistakes here and there aren't going to kill me, either.
Interestingly, Einstein didn't consider intelligence or hard work to be his most important asset. His stubborness got top billing, instead. “He felt that the task of a scientist is to find the most important question, and then to pursue it relentlessly.” But Einstein also had what Dr. Ohanian calls “a remarkable talent for making fruitful mistakes.” His intuition frequently, but not always, guided him to correct conclusions, in spite of his “botched” mathematical reasoning. Some of these mistakes led directly to the discoveries Einstein is best known for: his theories of special and of general relativity. (One quick note: in physics, as in most scientific fields, the word “theory” doesn't mean “opinion” or “conjecture” as it does in everyday usage. Rather, in this setting, the word “theory” is equivalent to “explanation.”)
I was most surprised to discover that Einstein was not very comfortable using math as a basis or proof of his proposed theories; and he made many errors in the mathematical portions of his papers. Whenever he could, he'd partner with another physicist or a mathematician whose job it was to write the part of his papers that involved calculations – and in his later years, he employed assistants for the sole purpose of performing the complex mathematics his work required. Unfortunately, these partners or assistants often were denied the credit due to them, either by deliberate omission, or simply because the name “Einstein” overshadowed any other attached to a project.
Dr. Ohanian has a talent, too, of explaining complex scientific theories in a way that is understandable for the layperson. I appreciated his analogy comparing mass and energy to ice and water. First, in relation to possibly the most famous equation associated with Einstein, E = mc2 [that '2' should be in a superscript, but I don't know how to do that here], he explains that “mass is a congealed form of energy, or an inactive form of energy” or, in other words, “mass and energy are two facets of the same thing.” Then he provides this image: “We can think of the congealed energy hidden in the mass of a body as analogous to the congealed water locked in the Antarctic ice sheet, and we can think of the liquid water on the Earth as analogous to the ordinary energy.” He goes on to provide more detail about, for example, the “dramatic and violent” effects we would see if a great deal of congealed energy – mass – was released at once; similar to the “disastrous flooding of all the coasts” that would happen if all the congealed water – ice – in the Antarctic were released simultaneously. Great visual, isn't it?
Einstein once said, “We all must from time to time make a sacrifice at the altar of stupidity, for the entertainment of the deity and mankind.” It's affirming to know that a stubborn, arrogant genius like Einstein recognized the inevitably and necessity of the occasional error. Perhaps I can be a bit more welcoming and gentle with my own mistakes, too.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
Interestingly, Einstein didn't consider intelligence or hard work to be his most important asset. His stubborness got top billing, instead. “He felt that the task of a scientist is to find the most important question, and then to pursue it relentlessly.” But Einstein also had what Dr. Ohanian calls “a remarkable talent for making fruitful mistakes.” His intuition frequently, but not always, guided him to correct conclusions, in spite of his “botched” mathematical reasoning. Some of these mistakes led directly to the discoveries Einstein is best known for: his theories of special and of general relativity. (One quick note: in physics, as in most scientific fields, the word “theory” doesn't mean “opinion” or “conjecture” as it does in everyday usage. Rather, in this setting, the word “theory” is equivalent to “explanation.”)
I was most surprised to discover that Einstein was not very comfortable using math as a basis or proof of his proposed theories; and he made many errors in the mathematical portions of his papers. Whenever he could, he'd partner with another physicist or a mathematician whose job it was to write the part of his papers that involved calculations – and in his later years, he employed assistants for the sole purpose of performing the complex mathematics his work required. Unfortunately, these partners or assistants often were denied the credit due to them, either by deliberate omission, or simply because the name “Einstein” overshadowed any other attached to a project.
Dr. Ohanian has a talent, too, of explaining complex scientific theories in a way that is understandable for the layperson. I appreciated his analogy comparing mass and energy to ice and water. First, in relation to possibly the most famous equation associated with Einstein, E = mc2 [that '2' should be in a superscript, but I don't know how to do that here], he explains that “mass is a congealed form of energy, or an inactive form of energy” or, in other words, “mass and energy are two facets of the same thing.” Then he provides this image: “We can think of the congealed energy hidden in the mass of a body as analogous to the congealed water locked in the Antarctic ice sheet, and we can think of the liquid water on the Earth as analogous to the ordinary energy.” He goes on to provide more detail about, for example, the “dramatic and violent” effects we would see if a great deal of congealed energy – mass – was released at once; similar to the “disastrous flooding of all the coasts” that would happen if all the congealed water – ice – in the Antarctic were released simultaneously. Great visual, isn't it?
Einstein once said, “We all must from time to time make a sacrifice at the altar of stupidity, for the entertainment of the deity and mankind.” It's affirming to know that a stubborn, arrogant genius like Einstein recognized the inevitably and necessity of the occasional error. Perhaps I can be a bit more welcoming and gentle with my own mistakes, too.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
January 5, 2010
Someone else, read this and tell me if you love it as much as I do.
October 26, 2018
I did not enjoy reading this book, but it is essential reading. The author rather gleefully catalogs every failing, plus some that I still would not consider "mistakes." However, the author is completely authoritative and deeply understands all the physics, so his analysis is a serious contribution. Briefly, like other pioneers, E. sometimes offered amazing and correct intuition with bogus arguments. Ok.
One aspect I found completely fascinating and new to me was the account of the contemporary backlash against E's work. Some of it was pure antisemitism, but Ohanian paints a more nuanced view of a genuine cultural struggle about what physics should be. Winners write the histories, and now those people are largely forgotten, so this is interesting.
If you were unaware what disaster E. was as a human being, this is one place to learn, including recent revelations. I didn't enjoy that either, but if we think biography is worthwhile at all, then it should not suppress things, and this book surely doesn't.
Readers may also want to try "Einstein's Clocks" by Peter Galison.
One aspect I found completely fascinating and new to me was the account of the contemporary backlash against E's work. Some of it was pure antisemitism, but Ohanian paints a more nuanced view of a genuine cultural struggle about what physics should be. Winners write the histories, and now those people are largely forgotten, so this is interesting.
If you were unaware what disaster E. was as a human being, this is one place to learn, including recent revelations. I didn't enjoy that either, but if we think biography is worthwhile at all, then it should not suppress things, and this book surely doesn't.
Readers may also want to try "Einstein's Clocks" by Peter Galison.
October 15, 2016
Based on the description, I was excited to read this book because I thought it was going to focus on Einstein's thought process. Wouldn't that be great -- not just a description of the final form of Einstein's discovery but a in-depth description of the path he took to get there, describing both the insights and the wrong turns along the way. The book does do some of that, which is why I'm giving it a positive rating. However the author also spends a lot of time delving into Einstein's failings in his personal life, as a husband, as a father, and so forth. Also the author spends a lot of time on things that aren't failings but that tend to undercut Einstein's accomplishments, like constantly pointing out that other physicists were working on the same topics and understood some concepts better than Einstein. The overall impression is that the book's goal is to take Einstein down a peg, and it leaves rather a sour taste in the mouth.
December 29, 2011
Probably deserves zero stars. Stay away.
January 8, 2024
As someone who never belonged to the "Cult of Einstein" this book was a welcome corrective to all the worship and pop science surrounding the man. While giving him his due as one of the great men of science, Ohanian details his rather numerous errors of science and also explains why Einstein became such a celebrity and world wide symbol of "Genius".
Pop Culture Einstein and the real Einstein had little in common. E=mc2 was not the basis for the A-bomb, and Einstein had almost nothing to do with the atomic, either in theory or in practice. The famous "Einstein letter" of 1939 warning FDR of the dangers of a nuclear weapon was drafted by other scientists. Einstein merely signed it.
The author isn't the greatest writer in the world, but the book is full of interesting facts. For example:
1) Hebrew University in Israel makes $18 million each year from its copyright of Einstein's image on T-shirts, mugs, posters, etc.
2) After WWI, both the German Government and zionist organization funded Einstein lectures and promotional tours. Its seems that Weimar Germany thought Einstein was good PR for Germany, while the Zionists thought Einstein was good PR for Jews.
3) Einstein wasn't first one to think of theory of Relativity or E=mc2, but he was first to recognize their ramifications.
4) While publicaly a pacifist, Einstein was making money doing consulting for the "Military industrial-complex". For "tax reasons" aka to avoid taxes, Einstein was paid in cash.
5) Einstein didn't believe in nationalism, except for Israel. He stated "I regard affiliation with a country a business matter. Someone like my relationship with a life insurance company".
6) Einstin declared himself a "socialist" and was a communist sympathizer. You'd be hard pressed to find any criticism of Stalin or his crimes in Einstein's public writings.
The closest I can find is this: " A single comment on the domestic politics of the USSR; it is un׳ deniable that there is strong political compulsion. It may be in part due to the necessity of breaking the power of the former ruling class and securing the country against foreign aggression; to the difficult task of converting a politically ignorant and culturally backward people, against all the deep׳rooted traditions of their past, to a nation of organized productive labor. I presume to pass no judgement.׳
Pop Culture Einstein and the real Einstein had little in common. E=mc2 was not the basis for the A-bomb, and Einstein had almost nothing to do with the atomic, either in theory or in practice. The famous "Einstein letter" of 1939 warning FDR of the dangers of a nuclear weapon was drafted by other scientists. Einstein merely signed it.
The author isn't the greatest writer in the world, but the book is full of interesting facts. For example:
1) Hebrew University in Israel makes $18 million each year from its copyright of Einstein's image on T-shirts, mugs, posters, etc.
2) After WWI, both the German Government and zionist organization funded Einstein lectures and promotional tours. Its seems that Weimar Germany thought Einstein was good PR for Germany, while the Zionists thought Einstein was good PR for Jews.
3) Einstein wasn't first one to think of theory of Relativity or E=mc2, but he was first to recognize their ramifications.
4) While publicaly a pacifist, Einstein was making money doing consulting for the "Military industrial-complex". For "tax reasons" aka to avoid taxes, Einstein was paid in cash.
5) Einstein didn't believe in nationalism, except for Israel. He stated "I regard affiliation with a country a business matter. Someone like my relationship with a life insurance company".
6) Einstin declared himself a "socialist" and was a communist sympathizer. You'd be hard pressed to find any criticism of Stalin or his crimes in Einstein's public writings.
The closest I can find is this: " A single comment on the domestic politics of the USSR; it is un׳ deniable that there is strong political compulsion. It may be in part due to the necessity of breaking the power of the former ruling class and securing the country against foreign aggression; to the difficult task of converting a politically ignorant and culturally backward people, against all the deep׳rooted traditions of their past, to a nation of organized productive labor. I presume to pass no judgement.׳
October 14, 2023
The unfolding of physics during this period of history makes this book a great read. On the other hand, at times it often seems more of an Einstein bashing as there is hardly a mistake that goes undramatized. In my view I would have preferred that the focus stay on the development of science and leave all the biographic commentary out, especially since there was quite enough negativity. Still, I found myself quite absorbed in the development of Einstein's contributions to physics, both the advances and missteps, reminding us of the norm - two steps forward only comes at the expense of one step back.
January 13, 2018
An interesting read. The science requires more than a basic understanding to truly appreciate. But the less known facts about Einstein's personal life was informative. Also, the information regarding other scientists and their theories which came before Einstein and helped him to solidify his thinking was helpful. What I found most interesting was the discourse regarding the famous E=mc2 equation and the intellectual conflict between "stipulation and hypothesis". Would recommend for scientists interested in diving deeper into the life of Einstein and his contributions (and mistakes).
March 16, 2018
Not for the laymen. Anyone could walk away with an impression, but to enjoy Ohanian one should know bits of scientific history. Many scientists mentioned made me feel lost. This gem is not only an "Einstein book." Ohanian will make you so infringed; you may find yourself rushing to pick up a dozen or more books afterwards.
April 10, 2019
Rather pedantic. I don't even recall what point he was trying to make.
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October 8, 2021O autor escreve de maneira juvenil, no pior do sentidos. No entanto, para alguém cujos conhecimentos de física basicamente param na porta do séc. XX, como eu, podem ser algumas centenas de páginas absorventes e que ajudam a entender como as descobertas quânticas e atômicas foram acontecendo.
Quanto à suposta humildade que os erros de Einstein trouxeram ao aqui repetidamente declarado Ser Humano Mais Inteligente do Século, ela não se faz presente. Nada que chegue a impedi-lo de ser o tiozão legal que ele aparentemente foi durante toda a vida.
Quanto à suposta humildade que os erros de Einstein trouxeram ao aqui repetidamente declarado Ser Humano Mais Inteligente do Século, ela não se faz presente. Nada que chegue a impedi-lo de ser o tiozão legal que ele aparentemente foi durante toda a vida.
February 11, 2013
I enjoyed it, but bogged down around page 300.
Its still on my pile to be finished, but now on those nights when I can't sleep because of some problem of the day which I keep replaying, then I turn on the light and let Einstein's problems put me to sleep.
It may be too long.
Its still on my pile to be finished, but now on those nights when I can't sleep because of some problem of the day which I keep replaying, then I turn on the light and let Einstein's problems put me to sleep.
It may be too long.
August 29, 2015
A very interesting history of Einsteins intellectual endeavors. I came away appreciating that an important source of his genius was his intuition. His mathematical talent was apparently good, but not exceptional; or perhaps he was lazy.
January 30, 2011
I didn't read the jacket. Not my cup of tea.
January 8, 2009
In Einstein
December 7, 2010
Very easy to read plus you dont need a Ph.D in physics to understand the content. Simply loved it!
July 23, 2016
I was leery of reading the book because of its title, but very much enjoyed the book. Wasn't what I expected and has a positive theme.
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February 3, 2016Nje nga librat me interesant qe kam lexuar per Einstein-in. Tani kam filluar ne detaje t'a percjelli mitin dhe mitet mbi njerezit me epitete.
December 19, 2016
Offered an interesting perspective on one of history's most brilliant minds and his life.
September 25, 2024
Probably the best book I have read on the revolution in physics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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June 1, 2017I entered upon this reading adventure by way of Ray Dalio. I caught an interview and this was the book that he recommended during that interview. It is always a pleasure to read something as refreshing as this book was concerning Einstein. Although there are other books out there similar to this one the subject of a aforementioned icon's failings are always of interest. I enjoyed this book and would recommended it as a weekend read of a breath of fresh air amidst the monotony.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews