Albert Einstein and Mathematics - Free Essay Example

Mathematics is a study as old as time, and it is often referred to as the universal language. One of the wonderful things about math is that regardless of who or where we are, we are all likely to arrive at math results the same way. There are very few people who can speak all the languages in the world, however we all possess the ability to be fluent in the language of math. This shared language of numbers connects us with people from all over the world and from every walk of life. Math is fundamental for many different things, including advances in science, engineering, and philosophy. As in all walks of life, there are going to be those whose knowledge and ability rise above the majority of the population. Albert Einstein is one of these individuals who made many great contributions to several different disciplines, including mathematics. Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in Germany to Jewish parents. His father, Herman, was a salesman and engineer. His mother, Pauline, was a homemaker. It is said that Einstein didnt start speaking until around three years of age, and this worried his parents. But as we all know, they had absolutely no reason to worry. They would raise one of the most gifted people of all time. Einstein attended a catholic elementary school until the age of 8, where he then attended the Luitpold Gymnasium (SparkNotes). Due to a failed business, his parents had to move. They left Einstein at a boarding school to finish his schooling. It is a myth that Einstein failed at mathematics when he was a child, Einstein actually excelled at math and physics from a young age. One of Einsteins mentors, Max Talmey, said he lent Einstein many different books on science and philosophy. Talmey said Einstein mastered their content in several months (Lunch with the Einsteins). Einstein was only around 12 years old when he mastered these books. Talmey also said that before long, Einstein surpassed his knowledge in math and physics. He knew that Einstein was gifted, and would probably go on to do great things. Talmey also introduced Einstein to Euclids Elements. Einstein called this book his holy little geometry book (Albert Einsteins Regard For Mathematics). It was because of this book that E instein began to understand deductive reasoning, which was integral to many of his theories. His early understanding of math helped shape his life. I believe Talmey was one of the most influential people in Einsteins life. If it werent for him giving all this knowledge to Einstein, he may not have advanced as much as he did. Einstein wasnt happy at the boarding school his parents left him at. He felt that he didnt belong at the school and he didnt learn anything because of the way they taught. He decided to leave and returned to his parents. His parents were rightfully worried that their dropout son may not do anything with his life. Thankfully, at the age of 16, Einstein was able to take the entrance exam for the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich. He failed every subject except for math and physics. He then went to Switzerland to complete his secondary schooling where he eventually graduated, receiving high marks in math. Einstein then struggled to get a job after graduation. He eventually found a job as an assistant examiner at the Federal Office for Intellectual Property in Bern. It was here where Einstein formed a small group who would meet to discuss science, physics, and math. In 1905, Einstein received his PhD. He also published several groundbreaking papers on different topics, including relati vity. These groundbreaking papers helped people recognize how much of a genius he really was. He was then known as one of the worlds leading scientists. Einstein went on to win a Nobel Prize for his work on physics, especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect (The Nobel Prize In Physics 1921). Although Einstein is well known for his work on physics, he also made contributions to math. He contributed several equations to calculus and geometry, some of which are called the Einstein Field Equations. He first published these equations in 1915. These equations are part of Einsteins theory of relativity. This theory of relativity proposed new concepts of space and time that were unknown before this. He published his theory of general relativity in 1915. One of Einsteins most well known and famous papers was on the mass-energy equivalence, or E=mc squared. E was energy, M was mass, and C was the speed of light. It was this theory that made the atomic bomb possible. He stated that a large amount of energy could be released from a small amount of matter. The atomic bomb illustrated this idea. As you can see, this is a mathematical equation. Without math, Einstein would have never been as successful as he was. Math, physics, and science are all related in many different ways. If you take even one of those away, we wouldnt be able to use the others. Einstein proved this by using mathematics and numerology in his different theories. Albert Einstein was a man of extreme intelligence. The world as we know it today would not be here if Einstein had never been born. He had a brilliant mind, not only in science and physics, but also mathematics. He gave the world multiple different theories, equations, and concepts that are still used today. His name is well known, as it should be. He has contributed more to the world than most people realize. Einstein unfortunately died on April 18, 1955. He had internal bleeding that stemmed from a stomach issue. He went to the hospital but refused surgery or further medical attention. Einstein said I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly (Albert Einstein). He left a legacy that will never be forgot.