My Einstein: Essays by the World's Leading Thinkers on the Man, His Work, and His Legacy

by John Brockman

Book Overview

In this fascinating volume, today's foremost scientists discuss their own versions and visions of Einstein: how he has influenced their worldviews, their ideas, their science, and their professional... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375423451
• ISBN13: 9780375423451
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Pantheon Books
• Length: 261 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Other Scientists Look At Einstein

For those wanting to know how other scientists view Einstein's work this is an essential book.

Great read to give your life some direction

He's no Einstein" is a crass but possibly fitting denouncement of a student who shows little academic potential. Most have at least heard of Albert Einstein, however, or are able to quote his most famous formula: E = mc2. Perhaps it is not common knowledge that Einstein's greatest accomplishments were completed in humble circumstances. When not working as a patent clerk by day, Einstein was feverishly working on experiments to reconcile quantum mechanics and electromagnetism that would forever change the face of science. Undiscovered protégés, who burn the candle at both ends, can find inspiration in Einstein's example. Personal gems, such as the cumbersome nature of scientific discovery while employed otherwise, are sprinkled throughout My Einstein: a compilation of two dozen essays by modern scientists who were influenced by Einstein. Each scientist extols some detail about Einstein as the motivation to actually enter scientific careers themselves. Many of the writers point out that Einstein had an entirely different way of looking at nature-and they were inspired to enter theoretical physics to recapture some of his cavalier thinking style. One can not intelligently discuss the modern research of theoretical physicists without grappling with Einstein's original ideas. The casual reader will find the depth to which the writers explain their own scientific prowess a little cumbersome-if not downright boring. Weaving a tale of their own technical competence initially, most writers return to a common idea about Einstein: his best work derived when he was young. These scientists steer the reader away from the image of Einstein as a disheveled, wild-haired, tongue-poking-out mad scientist. Great men, such as Albert Einstein, happen upon humanity accidentally. John Brockman has edited a collection of essays that are a great read if you are seeking direction in life. Many readers will identify with a burst of inspiration, where even reading about the works of one person, can send the curious on an entirely different pathway. Within the legacy of Einstein is a simple admonition: Pursue your passion-your weekend project might very well cause you to be named the next Einstein. Armchair Interviews says: You don't have to be an Einstein to get some value from this collection.

Interesting and Fairly Consistent Perspectives on Einstein

Science buffs will likely recognize many, if not most, of the names of the 24 contributors to this fascinating book of essays on Einstein. In a completely painless way, the reader is guided through various discussions on Einstein and parts of his life but mainly his science. As can be expected in a book such as this, there is much repetition, from one essay to the next, with regards to some of the highlights in Einstein's life: the cosmological constant (his "greatest blunder"), his favorite sayings, e.g., "God does not play dice", his passionate dissatisfaction with quantum mechanics, his "questionable" work on a unified field theory, etc. With perhaps one exception, the writing styles are very similar in that they are clear, friendly, focused, authoritative and engaging. Although the book was obviously written for a broad audience, it is likely that science buffs will relish it the most.

Offer important insights into Einstein's lasting legacy and his life.

MY EINSTEIN: ESSAYS BY TWENTY-FOUR OF THE WORLD'S LEADING THINKERS ON THE MAN, HIS WORK, AND HIS LEGACY could've been reviewed in our science section but is reviewed here for its detailed surveys by leading scientists, historians and contemporaries. These essays comment and reflect on the man, his contributions and how he influenced their worldviews and methods: even more than a legacy to Einstein's genius, they offer important insights into Einstein's lasting legacy and his life. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch