Opposing Mediocre Minds: Einstein on Education
Today, March 14 is Pi day (3.14) and the birthday (#140) of Albert Einstein.
Albert Einstein is remembered as the physicist who developed the theories of special, and general relativity.
the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers, and that the speed of light in a vacuum was independent of the motion of all observers……that massive objects cause a distortion in space-time, which is felt as gravity.
He came to the U.S. in the early thirties and, with the rise of the Nazi party in Germany and the accompanying anti-semitism, he decided to stay (after short stays in both Belgium and England). He was already internationally known, having won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1921 for his discovery of the law of photoelectric effect.
Princeton offered him a job and he became a U.S. citizen in 1940 (while also retaining his Swiss citizenship).
MORE THAN PHYSICS
Einstein was more than a world famous scientist. He was also someone who examined philosophy, religion, and politics and much of his writing has applications for students and teachers.
The quotes below (from Wikiquote) reflect the universality of Einstein’s thought and apply to education and learning.
THE SUPPORT FOR SCIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
It is ironic that the first quote I’ve listed here is one on the value of science institutions to nations. This week I read that our current administration has requested deep cuts in science funding.
The administration is asking for…
- a 13% cut for the National Institute of Health.
- an 8% cut for NASA
- a 12% cut to the National Science Foundation
- 17% less for the Office of Science in the Department of Energy
- A cut of 1/3 for the EPA overall and cuts of 40% for science and technical programs and 66% for air and energy research (climate change)
It would be nice if someone would stop the war against knowledge.
Science is international but its success is based on institutions, which are CONTINUE READING:Opposing Mediocre Minds: Einstein on Education | Live Long and Prosper
