"It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception." (When asked about his theory of relativity)—Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) Theoretical physicist
A popular story circulating right now is the discovery of a digitized collection of Albert Einstein's essays and correspondences. One specific letter unveiled by astrobiologist, David Grinspoon was composed in November of 1911, addressed to chemist and two-time Nobel-Laureate, Marie Curie. Einstein's intent was to reassure Curie she was indeed a brilliant scientist, imploring her to ignore the ignorant comments of tiresome trolls who Einstein refers to as "reptiles". His encouraging words applied far beyond professional life. Marie Curie was being persecuted for having an affair with a student of her deceased husband Pierre, named Paul Langevin, who was estranged from his wife at the time. Due to the anti-Semitism of the day, Curie was doubly shunned for her associations.
Einstein was a champion for the disenfranchised and the inspiration for thousands of scientists worldwide including the originator of quantum theory, Max Planck and theoretical physicist, David Bohm. He was the catalyst for millions of researchers and students around the world. So who was the muse for one of the greatest minds in human history? Einstein found his greatest motivation came from listening to and playing music. Genius to genius. His greatest inspiration--Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Einstein once revealed that while Beethoven created his music, Mozart's "was so pure that it seemed to have been ever-present in the universe, waiting to be discovered by the master." As in physics, it was noted Einstein believed beyond observations and theory lived the music of the pulsating cosmos, "pre-established harmony" enchanting us with the most stunning symmetries. Or simply put, Mozart seemed to pluck his music from the air as if plucking a heavenly harp that belonged to him all along. Learning to play violin at age 5, Einsteins affinity with Mozart began at the age of 13 and continued throughout his adulthood, even inspiring him through some of his darkest hours struggling at a patent office, enduring a difficult marriage and his constant money troubles. So much more than physicist, Einstein was fully engaged in politics, an eccentric ahead of his time who supported women's rights and lobbied for equality. Einstein understood the beauty of E=MC2 as much as the beauty of harmony and melody. Music has a power to unite and inspire the most remarkable insights. His deep love for music was essential to his own perception of his life's journey.
Einstein once revealed that while Beethoven created his music, Mozart's "was so pure that it seemed to have been ever-present in the universe, waiting to be discovered by the master." As in physics, it was noted Einstein believed beyond observations and theory lived the music of the pulsating cosmos, "pre-established harmony" enchanting us with the most stunning symmetries. Or simply put, Mozart seemed to pluck his music from the air as if plucking a heavenly harp that belonged to him all along. Learning to play violin at age 5, Einsteins affinity with Mozart began at the age of 13 and continued throughout his adulthood, even inspiring him through some of his darkest hours struggling at a patent office, enduring a difficult marriage and his constant money troubles. So much more than physicist, Einstein was fully engaged in politics, an eccentric ahead of his time who supported women's rights and lobbied for equality. Einstein understood the beauty of E=MC2 as much as the beauty of harmony and melody. Music has a power to unite and inspire the most remarkable insights. His deep love for music was essential to his own perception of his life's journey.
" Life without playing music is inconceivable for me,” he once said, “I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music… I get most joy in life out of music.”
