Now what in the world does a writer like me, someone whose passion revolves around historical romance, have in common with a physicist? Well, you might say my interest in science is only through marriage. I’m married to a physics teacher. On one of our first dates, I visited my husband’s classroom and he had a poster of Einstein pinned to the wall. And that, I’m sorry to say, was the extent of my connection to Einstein.
Until recently.
My husband came across an article listing ten quotes from the celebrated physicist (cited below*). When I read the list I was reminded of what my husband tells me all the time: physics applies to just about everything.
These quotes didn’t inspire me to take up any physics challenges, but they did remind me why I appreciate my husband so often—yes, someone who’s been known to wear a tee shirt claiming that “Physics is Phun,” someone who might be called a geek in some circles. I’m convinced, once again, that someone with a mind for physics knows few limits.
So I’m going to share one or two of Einstein’s quotes this week, and a few more in the coming weeks. You can ponder them a bit, because they’re just so…well, ponderable.
Quote #1:
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
Either Einstein was incredibly humble or he was simply being honest. If he thought he had no special talent, as brilliant as he was, then maybe there’s hope for the rest of us. If we’re passionately curious.
Now who would’ve thought I had anything in common with Einstein, but curiosity is probably one of the biggest inspirations behind writing. Something stirs our curiosity and we’re off to set up an entire story world around whatever it was that piqued our interest to begin with.
Quote #2:
“It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
Because this quote is similar in theme to the first quote, I thought I’d group them together. This is a quote my husband often alludes to when talking about his own achievements. I’m always so impressed by how smart he is, and he’s always telling me it’s just that he sticks at something long enough to figure it out.
He also regularly reminds our youngest son that he hopes the job he has someday is something he’s passionate about. Because if you’re fortunate enough to have a job doing something you love, it won’t feel like work.
Kind of like being a writer.
* The article on Einstein’s quotes was written on 3/09/2010 by Mr. Self Development who is a motivational author offering a practical guide to success and wealth; you can visit his blog at mrselfdevelopment.com.
Did you know Einstein's teachers at first classified him as what we would call a special needs child? So look at every special needs child as a potential Einstein. There is no replacement for focus and determination.
I did hear something along those lines, or that Einstein didn't speak until he was four. I always wondered about that. Interesting!
Great post. Love these quotes. Thanks for sharing!