Genius!

The man behind the mind. I feel that tagline sums up this show perfectly. I never would have imagined that a show about Albert Einstein’s life would be compelling, but it has quickly become a favorite of mine. Albert Einstein is one of those rare individuals who seems larger than life. When you think about him, what comes to mind (at least for me) is everything he’s discovered and accomplished. I’ve never given much thought about him as an individual, you know what his life and personality was like. This show does an excellent job at giving an up close and personal view of his life. It does get extremely personal at times, and it’s not always flattering. Who knew he was such a lady’s man?

About a year or so ago, I did purchase one of his books on the iBooks store, mainly because it was on sale. I read a couple of pages, but didn’t have much interest in it at the time. It wasn’t until after watching a couple of episodes of Genius, that I did want to pick it back up and give it another shot. Before I could though, I received a notification that his book, The World as I See It was on sale. I decided to read that one instead since it had an earlier publication date. I figured it would be best to go in order.

The World as I See It is a collection of articles, letters, and addresses by Einstein. It essentially gives his philosophy of many different, but important aspects of life. The book was published in 1949 and does touch on the issues that the Jewish community was facing at the time. As an Education major my favorite passages of his were about the Education system. One in particular that I am in love with is an address that he delivered to Japanese school children:

“Bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the work of many generations, produced by enthusiastic effort and infinite labour in every country of the world. All this is put into your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honour it, add to it, and one day faithfully hand it on to your children. Thus do we mortals achieve immortality in the permanent things which we create in common.
If you always keep that in mind you will find a meaning in life and work and acquire the right attitude towards other nations and ages.”

The point he is making here and again throughout the book is that when we as a human race work together and collaborate is when progress gets made. I do think that it is important to have respect for different nations and ages (I love that he included ages). People will not always agree or share the same values, but we should never shut each other out. We must always attempt to have some common ground and respect. Only then can the world be a safer place. Einstein was a pacifist, but also understood that in some situations that violence was unfortunately a necessary action, and I do share those same views.

Okay enough political jargon, I do hope that you give Genius a viewing, and maybe you will be inspired to pick up one of his books as well. I will be reading Out of My Later Years soon!

Thanks for reading,

AurorWillow