How Einstein learned physics.

The biography of Albert Einstein, written by Walter Isaacsen, covers not only the intellectual achievements of the great physicist, but also indirectly related to this: fame, his anti-war activities, difficulties in marriage. But the most interesting information refers to the part that explains how Einstein studied.

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How smart was Einstein?

One of the most common stories about Einstein says he knew math / physics "for the third" and did not graduate from math school. This is one of those stories that become legends, regardless of whether it is true or not.

But she is false. Einstein knew that mathematics from a young age. He admits himself: "I have never failed in mathematics until fifteen years, I came to dominate the differential and integral calculus" But he was not considered a genius so, by the way, you can easily find a picture of his diploma, using the motor of search and writing "Albert Einstein Certificate of Registration of 1896".

How did Einstein teach mathematics and physics?

Given Einstein's contribution to physics, this is a very valuable question. These are some of the methods that Isaacsen talks about in the book.

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1.Learning comes from solving difficult problems, not attending school.

As he himself said: "I played a lot and studied with teachers of theoretical physics at home."

When he was 12 years old, Einstein already had a "propensity to solve complex problems in arithmetic", and his parents bought him an advanced mathematical textbook that he could study in the summer.

He studied physics and did not attend classes obediently, like most. He played with ideas and equations on his own. At that time, its fundamental principle was "do it and do not listen".

2.When you can try something, you really know it.

How do you know you really understand something? Einstein's method was to try to prove any claim. It all started at an early age when Uncle Jacob challenged him to try the Pythagorean theorem.

Einstein recalled: "After great efforts I managed to" prove "this theorem based on the similarity of the triangles".

Isaacsen explains that Einstein took new theories, trying to prove them himself. This approach to the study of physics, which naturally came to Einstein, was triggered by a strong curiosity about how everything works and his belief that "nature can be understood through a relatively simple mathematical structure."

Already here it is evident that the famous scientist had an incredible curiosity and intuition. Maybe even more than intelligence.

3.Intuition is more important than equations.

Yes, you can call yourself an intuitive physicist. It was influenced by the books of Aaron Bershtein, who encouraged precisely the intuitive approach of physics. They abounded in images of fiction, such as "an imaginary journey through space" or "the speed of light".

SourceHow did Einstein develop intuition? His own thoughts on this matter were reduced to the fact that intuition is simply the result of early intellectual experience. His first habit of proving theorems and solving complex problems was supported by his ability to create abstract-visual images in his imagination.

4.Thinking requires calm space and deep concentration.

Einstein had incredible ability. His son writes: "Even the heaviest crying of a baby did not bother his father, he could continue working, despite the level of noise that surrounds him."

This is what the physicist himself says about his work at the Berne Patent Office: "I could do all the work in 2-3 hours, in the remaining time, I developed my ideas". The incredible concentration, which he had been developing all this time, helped to cope with the general theory of relativity, whose culmination was "an exhausting madness of four weeks." However, this is bad for your health.

However, the ability to concentrate and the love of loneliness allowed him to reach heights.

5.The understanding of ideas arises through mental experiments.

Einstein was a fan of thought experiments. They did not require expenses and they were executed very quickly. His most famous experiments were Einstein's paradox and the twin paradox.

All thought experiments were based on an intuitive understanding of physics, which, in turn, was based on their experience with theories and problems.

6.The lighting arrives during the pleasant walks.

While solitude and concentration were important components of the way Einstein studied and worked in physics, conversations and walks with people often led him to understand.

The most famous example was his walk with the old friend Michele Besso. During his work on the special theory of relativity, he walked with a friend, trying to explain the theory to him. Disappointed, he declared that he was surrendering. But suddenly he realized: the next day he told Besso that he had solved the problem completely.

By discussing ideas aloud, sharing them with others, you can often get new ideas.

7.Be a rebel

Einstein was never a conformist. His rebellious spirit hurt his early academic career, but he also contributed to his greatest discoveries.

SourceHe questioned all the rules and traditions adopted in physics. He did not like the German education system, which, he said, was intolerant of a different opinion. When you begin to study Einstein's biography, you will probably come to an important thought: it may not be comparable to your intellect, but everyone can develop Einstein's perseverance and curiosity in himself.

Reference:

Einstein: His life and his universe. Author: Walter Isaacsen

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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://guada1.vornix.blog/2018/10/22/how-einstein-learned-physics/

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