#187 Albert Einstein

160 snips

Jun 22, 2021

Dive into the remarkable journey of Einstein, whose brain became a scientific curiosity after his death. Discover his aversion to dogma and the importance of individuality in fostering creativity. Explore his emotional complexities, including his unconventional relationships and moral dilemmas during wartime. Laugh at his quirky, solitary life in America while reflecting on his significant contributions to science and ethics. Finally, enjoy insights into his contemplations on mortality and the beauty of life.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Einstein's Brain

After Einstein's death, pathologist Thomas Harvey kept his brain without permission.
It was later dissected and distributed to various researchers.

INSIGHT

Double-Edged Traits

Einstein's independent thinking and nonconformity were crucial to his scientific breakthroughs.
However, these traits also hindered his early career due to his disrespect towards authority.

ADVICE

Learn from Individuals

Study individuals who benefited humankind through independent character and judgment.
Foster individuality because new ideas originate from individuals, not groups.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Freedom's Forge

How American Business Built the Arsenal of Victory in World War II

Arthur Herman

In 'Freedom's Forge', Arthur Herman delves into the untold story of America's industrial mobilization during World War II. The book highlights the significant contributions of American business leaders and the industrial sector in producing the vast array of military equipment and supplies that were essential for the Allied victory. Herman's narrative focuses on key figures such as William S. Knudsen and Henry J. Kaiser, who spearheaded this massive industrial effort.

Working Backwards

Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon

Colin Bryar

Bill Carr

Working Backwards provides a detailed look at Amazon's approach to culture, leadership, and innovation. The book is written by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, who collectively have 27 years of experience at Amazon. It outlines the company's 14 leadership principles and how they are applied in practice, focusing on customer obsession, long-term thinking, and operational excellence. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains the leadership principles and practices, while the second part includes case studies on the development of products like Kindle, Amazon Prime, and Amazon Web Services. The authors provide practical steps and insights that can be applied to any business, regardless of size or industry[2][4][5].

Let my people go surfing

The Education of a Reluctant Businessman

Yvon Chouinard

This book tells the story of Yvon Chouinard, who brought doing good and having grand adventures into the heart of his business life. It details his journey from his youth as the son of a French Canadian handyman to his ambitious climbing expeditions that inspired his innovative designs for climbing equipment. The book also explores how Chouinard built Patagonia into one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, personal growth, and unconventional business practices.

The General and the Genius

Groves and Oppenheimer—The Unlikely Partnership that Built the Atom Bomb

James W. Kunetka

This book explores the extraordinary collaboration between General Leslie Groves and J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led a team of scientists and engineers in the Manhattan Project. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, they successfully developed the atomic bomb, changing the course of history. The narrative delves into the scientific, political, and personal challenges they faced during this pivotal period.

Against the Odds: An Autobiography

Sir James Dyson

This book details Dyson's journey from his early life to the development of his revolutionary bagless vacuum cleaner. It includes his struggles, legal battles, and eventual success after finding support in Japan. The book also critiques various aspects of the British education system and industry.

Steve Jobs

Walter Isaacson

This biography, based on more than 40 interviews with Steve Jobs and over 100 interviews with family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues, provides a riveting story of Jobs' roller-coaster life and intense personality. It highlights his passion for perfection, his ferocious drive, and how he revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. The book explores Jobs' contradictions, his 'reality distortion field,' and the lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values that can be drawn from his life and career.

Made In America

John Huey

Sam Walton

In this autobiography, Sam Walton shares his life story and business philosophy, detailing how he transformed a small dime store into the global retail giant Walmart. The book is rich with anecdotes and insights into Walton's leadership style, entrepreneurial spirit, and the 'rules of the road' that guided him on both Main Street and Wall Street. It highlights his humility, frugality, and commitment to customer service, as well as the challenges and setbacks he faced along the way. The narrative provides a deep understanding of Walmart's culture and foundational principles, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Einstein

His Life and Universe

Illus. with photos

Walter Isaacson

This biography by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of Albert Einstein, covering his childhood, his groundbreaking scientific theories, and his personal and political struggles. The book is based on newly released personal letters and archival materials, providing a detailed and engaging portrait of Einstein's life. It explains his theories, including the theory of relativity and his work on quantum mechanics, and discusses his involvement in world politics, pacifism, and his fight against anti-Semitism and authoritarian governments. The biography also highlights Einstein's rebellious nature, his creativity, and his commitment to individual freedom and intellectual freedom[2][3][5].

What I learned from reading Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson.

----

Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here.

----

[0:01] In a drama that would seem fake were it not so horrifying, Einstein’s brain ended up being, for more than four decades, a wandering relic.

[4:22] Einstein remained consistent in his willingness to be a serenely amused loner who was comfortable not conforming.

[6:49] “In teaching history,” Einstein replied, “there should be extensive discussion of personalities who benefited mankind through independence of character and judgment.”

[8:33] It is important to foster individuality, for only the individual can produce the new ideas.

[11:39] He had an allergic reaction against all forms of dogma and authority.

[14:37] It made me clearly realize how much superior an education based on free action and personal responsibility is to one relying on outward authority.

[20:24] It would be an astonishing nine years after his graduation and four years after the miracle year in which he upended physics before he would be offered a job as a junior professor.

[26:24] How To Win With People You Don't Like

[35:22] Had he given up theoretical physics at that point, the scientific community would not have noticed. There was no sign that he was about to unleash a remarkable year the like of which science had not seen since 1666, when Isaac Newton, holed up at his mother’s home to escape the plague developed calculus, an analysis of the light spectrum, and the laws of gravity.

[41:41] To dwell on the things that depress or anger us does not help in overcoming them. One must knock them down alone.

[44:30] He responded by saying that he planned to “smoke like a chimney, work like a horse, eat without thinking, go for a walk only in really pleasant company.”

[54:25] The whole affair is a matter of indifference to me, as is all the commotion, and the opinion of each and every human being.

[55:56] I am truly a lone traveler and have never belonged to my country, my home, my friends, or even my immediate family, with my whole heart; in the face of all these ties, I have never lost a sense of distance and a need for solitude.

[1:10:47] When shown his office, he was asked what equipment he might need. "A large wastebasket so I can throw away all my mistakes.”

[1:18:57] I do not know how the Third World War will be fought but I can tell you what they will use in the Fourth — rocks.

[1:22:26] Brief is this existence, as a fleeting visit in a strange house. The path to be pursued is poorly lit by a flickering consciousness.

-----

Other episodes mentioned in this episode:

#18 Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman

#25 Against the Odds: An Autobiography by James Dyson

#94 The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success (Henry Singleton)

#95 A Mind at Play: How Claude Shannon Invented the Information Age

#110 Distant Force: A Memoir of the Teledyne Corporation (Henry Singleton)

Bonus episode between #168 and #169 Freedom's Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II

Bonus episode between #179 and #180 Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon

----

“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth

Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast