5 Lessons We Learned from Albert Einstein

Many of us remember and Albert Einstein as the scientist with crazy hair who developed the Theory of Relativity. However, his thinking and discussion went beyond physics. He was given several honorary degrees including Medicine and Philosophy. His knowledge didn't stop or start at physics. He was someone who was willing to sit with uncomfortable problems until they are solved.

1. You don't have to choose one thing.

When choosing degrees or any other path of life, it is very daunting and it seems like we have to choose one thing or another. Even though Einstein is known for his work within the world of physics he did dabble in the fields of psychology, philosophy, and religion. He wrote papers about philosophy, Zionism, and many letters between Freud and Einstein have been discovered. He even became involved in politics. He was a leader in the World Government Movement.

2. Curiosity killed the cat, but it didn't kill Einstein.

Almost all of Einstein's work and discoveries had the foundation of pure curiosity. Why was this like this? This somewhat goes into #1. He didn't stay in the realm of science and physics because he was so curious about everything and how everything interacted.

"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious."- Albert Einstein

Einstein makes a very important point here. He is remembered for his great mind, however he gives credit to his curiosity and his willingness to confront problems rather than sheer talent or smarts.

"The important thing is to never stop questioning. Curiosity has it's own reasons for existing. "-Albert Einstein.

3. "Rules are meant to be bent, not broken."

I wouldn't say Einstein had disdain for rules and order; after all physics and fields are made up of rules and orders. He understood that rules should not be taken at face value. Complete understanding of the rules gives advantage.

"You have to learn the rules of the games. And then you have to play better than anyone else." -Albert Einstein.

4. Simplicity is best.

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it enough." Albert Einstein.

The more I learn the less I feel like I know. The more I grow I realize how much I don't know and how much more complicated things seem to be. Honestly this quote seemed impossible and frustrating. It makes me feel like I am never going to know anything ever because everything feels complicated.

However, think back to a time when you were a kid first learning how to read. It seemed impossible to possibly know all your vowels and consonants. That's not even all the sounds and variation they make! I remember struggling through word after word in my "learn to read" books as my mom simply, clearly, and concisely explained to me what vowels and consonants are. Now I do the same for my younger family members. In my current mind it is simple, but in my juvenile mind it was one of the most complicated things in the world. We will know when we really understand something, when we can make is sound as simple as it is in our own minds.

5. Make of the most of the worst.

Einstein was a Jew in the early 20th century. He lived through the beginning and end of World War II. To say the least, this was not the best time to be a Jew. Even through persecution because of his heritage he still managed to become synonymous with the word "genius". At that point, you either found triumph or defeat and rarely was there an in between for someone like Einstein.

"In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity"- Albert Einstein.