Albert Einstein

( ())

One day, when Einstein was sick in bed, his father brought him a compass. This seemingly simple device sparked a fascination for science in the young Einstein; no matter which way he turned it, he couldn't fool the needle to point in a different direction. The unwavering needle of a compass is used to guide people in their path. Similarly, Einstein's dedication and passion for science pointed him on a journey from which he did not stray. Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Germany. As a child, Einstein was a slow learner; he didn't start speaking until he was four and had poor grades when he started school. However, as he grew older, he began to develop a passion for physics, math, and music. Despite his shortcomings, Einstein grew up to excel in these fields. He won several awards for math and physics and also attempted to achieve world peace. There were several instances where Einstein's values were against that of society, but he didn't let their criticism get in the way of his goals or morals. His autonomous character and determination make him a hero to individuals pursuing their passion.

Einstein's independent mindset allowed him to be driven by his own morals rather than by fame or success. One such instance was seen after he received his Nobel Prize in 1905: "Einstein was asked to make several speeches at the Reichstag, and in all these speeches he condemned violence and nationalism, urging that these be replaced by international cooperation and law under an effective international authority" ("Albert Einstein, Scientist and Pacifist."). After Einstein was acknowledged worldwide for his accomplishments, he was requested to lead many lectures and speeches. Through this opportunity, Einstein increased awareness of the current problems in society instead of basking in the glory and fame he had received. In addition to his numerous speeches, Einstein also wrote several letters to important political figures proposing strategies to achieve world peace and renounce violence. Shortly after Germany's invasion of Belgium, Einstein was seen as an individual who stood for his beliefs: "while many other German intellectuals produced manifestos justifying [the invasion], Einstein dared to write and sign an anti-war manifesto. Einstein's manifesto appealed for cooperation and understanding among the scholars" ("Albert Einstein, Scientist and Pacifist."). Instead of going along with the other philosophers, Einstein decided to appeal for the ideals that defined him. He did not care about society's criticism, nor did he hide behind a facade to conform to the scholars. He went by his own beliefs and did everything in his power to set things right in his own way. In conclusion, Einstein did not let glory or fame get in they way of his values and ethics.

( ())

In addition to his autonomous personality, Einstein was also very perseverant and goal-oriented. An example of these characteristics is shown in 1902 during what was perhaps the lowest point of his life: "He could not marry Maric and support a family without a job, and his father's business went bankrupt. Desperate and unemployed, Einstein took lowly jobs tutoring children, but he was fired from even these jobs"(Kaku). Einstein endured hardships just like any other person. There was a time in his life where he had close to nothing; he couldn't marry his beloved, walk a path of his own, or even rely on his parents for support. Even the efforts he put into keeping a job were in vain. However, he still rose to the top by overcoming his shortcomings and persevering to the end. He also demonstrated his determination after his retirement in which, "He continued to work towards the unification of the basic concepts of physics, taking the opposite approach, geometrisation, to the majority of physicists"( "Albert Einstein - Biographical"). Even after Einstein's retirement, he still didn't give up his pursuit of learning. He continued to develop his scientific theories and improve his findings without letting anything come in the way. His determination and perseverance are the inspirational qualities that allow him to be called a hero. In summary, even Einstein had low points in his life, but he continued to persevere to achieve his goals.

( ())

Einstein chose a path of science which he followed with determination and dedication throughout his life. Similar to a compass, no matter which way others tried to change the direction the needle would go, it would in the end always redirect itself back to its own path. He stood for peace without conforming to society's expectations and standards. Even though Einstein went through many hardships, he stuck to his path without wavering, and through hard work and perseverance, he brought himself to the top.  Einstein began to gain popularity with his theory of relativity and many other significant scientific developments. However, even after achieving international fame, he never lost sight of who he was. He continued to stay true to his values and even used his success to help others. Einstein may not be the type of hero you would find in a cliche movie with unparalleled strength and courage, but his dedication and autonomy inspire people everywhere to pursue their passion with determination without changing their values, are what make him a hero.

Works Cited

"Albert Einstein - A Role Model for Our Times." Choose Your Destiny, 21 Aug. 2013,

www.cydestiny.com/albert-einstein-a-role-model-for-our-times/. Accessed 5 May 2017.

"Albert Einstein - Biographical". Nobelprize.org. Nobel Media AB 2014.

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1921/einstein-bio.html.

Accessed 11 May 2017

"Albert Einstein, Scientist and Pacifist." Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, 15 June 2015,

www.wagingpeace.org/albert-einstein-scientist-and-pacifist/. Accessed 5 May 2017.

History.com Staff. "Albert Einstein." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009,

www.history.com/topics/albert-einstein. Accessed 5 May 2017.

Kaku, Michio. "Albert Einstein." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 21

Mar. 2017, www.britannica.com/biography/Albert-Einstein. Accessed 5 May 2017. Accessed 11 May 2017

"Einstein's Compass Film-Principal Characters in Movie about Einstein." Einstein's Compass

Film-Principal Characters in Movie about Einstein,

www.einsteinscompass.com/principal.html. Accessed 17 May 2017.

"Albert Einstein - 'Become a Man of Value.'" FabQuote.co, 25 Oct. 2012,

fabquote.co/albert-einstein-become-a-man-of-value-quote/. Accessed 17 May 2017.