Ode To Einstein

I never realized that Einstein was such a compassionate soul. I appreciate him so much more after learning a little bit about him as a person. I found his pacifistic views endearing yet mildly ironic being that his work led to the development of the Hydrogen bomb and subsequently the deaths of over 100,000 people.

I agree with his validation of Spinoza's God who "revels himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with the facts and actions of human beings."

I most enjoyed his personal essay titled, "The World As I see it." I felt aligned with him on many of his personal views from his passionate sense of social justice and social responsibility to his abhorration of the military system. Holding such ideals as Kindness, beauty and truth reminded me a little of the values of Aldous Huxley; the fullness of Einstein's life came not from the typical "trite objects of human efforts"- possessions, outward success and luxury but from his friendships with like minded men, and appreciation of art and scientific endeavors.

His depiction of the mysterious as the heart of true art and true science moved me. As a realist, I tend to forget about indulging in the wonders around and marvelling in the mystery and focus more on objects and subjects within my immediate grasp (possibly why I found it rather difficult to understand the quantum mechanics papers) but Einstein's ability to understand and appreciate both aspects of life gave me hope and lead me to believe that each is equally important to consider and experience in a well-rounded, satisfying life.