The Importance of Intuition in Physics

Einstein's curiosity wasn't merely to perform adequately, but to develop a deep understanding and intuition about physical concepts. An early influence which encouraged this intuitive approach to physics was a series of science books by Aaron Bernstein. The obsessive focus Einstein applied to solving problems as a young boy eventually served him well in cracking general relativity. Although overlooked for academic positions, it was his intellectually unstimulating job at the Bern-Patent office which gave him time and privacy to unravel mysteries of relativity.