April 18th marks the death anniversary of one of the most celebrated scientists in human history, Albert Einstein. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of physics, Einstein is regarded as a true genius and a symbol of scientific progress and innovation. To honour his legacy and remember his remarkable life, here are eight facts to know about Albert Einstein on his death anniversary.
1. Einstein Was a Late Talker
As a child, Einstein was a notoriously slow speaker and struggled to communicate effectively with others. It wasn’t until he was around four years old that he began to speak in complete sentences. However, despite his early difficulties, Einstein would go on to develop a remarkable capacity for complex thought and communication.
2. He Was a Musical Prodigy
In addition to his scientific achievements, Einstein was also a gifted musician. He began playing the violin at the age of six and continued to play throughout his life. Einstein once said that his love for music helped him think creatively and was an important source of inspiration for his scientific work.
3. Einstein Was a Pacifist
Einstein was a strong advocate for peace and believed that war was a destructive and unnecessary force in human society. He was an active member of the anti-war movement and used his position as a public figure to promote pacifism and disarmament.
4. He Was an Advocate for Civil Rights
Einstein was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and spoke out against racism and discrimination. He was particularly vocal in his support for African Americans and worked closely with civil rights leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois to fight for equal rights and social justice.
5. Einstein Was an Innovator in Physics
Einstein’s contributions to the field of physics were revolutionary and helped to shape our modern understanding of the universe. He developed the theory of relativity, which fundamentally changed our understanding of time and space. He also made important contributions to the development of quantum mechanics, which revolutionized our understanding of the behavior of matter and energy on a subatomic level.
6. He Was a Refugee
Einstein was born in Germany but fled to the United States in 1933 to escape Nazi persecution. He became a U.S. citizen in 1940 and remained in the country until his death in 1955.
7. Einstein Was Offered the Presidency of Israel
In 1952, Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel following the death of the country’s first president, Chaim Weizmann. However, Einstein declined the offer, stating that he did not have the necessary experience or qualifications for the position.
8. Einstein’s Brain Was Studied After His Death
Following Einstein’s death in 1955, his brain was removed and studied by scientists who were interested in understanding the biological basis of his genius. The study found that Einstein’s brain had several unusual features, including a greater number of glial cells than normal and a higher density of neurons in certain areas of the brain associated with mathematical and spatial reasoning.