125 Albert Einstein quotes about science and life
Albert Einstein was one of the most important scientists and influential of the twentieth century. His work helped many astronomers and physicists, and he will always be remembered for his contributions not only in the scientific world, since he was an intellectual reference also in other subjects. Without a doubt, Einstein was a genius, one of the greatest that has ever existed, and he revolutionized our understanding of time, space and the universe.
- Related article: "What was Spinoza's God like and why did Einstein believe in him?"
Albert Einstein quotes
This article is a small tribute to this famous historical figure; below you can find collected 125 Albert Einstein quotes so you can enjoy them. All of them are full of great wisdom.
1. Asking new questions, new possibilities, looking at old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks a real breakthrough in science.
The creative mindset is key to the advancement of science, as Einstein claims.
2. I speak to everyone in the same way, be it the garbage man or the president of the university
Einstein acknowledges that he is a humble person and that he treats everyone the same.
3. Loneliness is painful when you are young, but very pleasant when you are more mature.
Unlike when we are young, when we get older we tend to value loneliness more. Well, it allows us to spend time with ourselves.
4. Mystery is the most beautiful thing we can experience. It is the source of all true art and science
The mystery can seduce us and make us inquire about the phenomena that have not yet come to light, generating a powerful sense of wonder and discovery.
5. The human mind is not capable of conceiving the fourth dimension, so how can it conceive of God? For whom a thousand years and a thousand dimensions are only one
The author talks about the impossibility of fully understanding the divine.
- Related article: "Types of religion (and their differences in beliefs and ideas)"
6. A human being is part of the whole that we call the universe, a part limited in time and space. He is convinced that he himself, his thoughts and his feelings are something independent of others, a kind of optical illusion of his consciousness. That illusion is a prison for us, it limits them to our personal desires and to feeling affection for the few who are closest to us. Our task has to be to free ourselves from that prison, expanding our circle of compassion, to encompass all living beings and all nature.
People may think that we are better than others, but in reality, we are all part of the same universe.
7. The distinction between past, present, and future is just a stubbornly persistent illusion
An appointment that, with a touch of irony, differentiates the present from the past and the future.
8. If you want your children to be smart, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be smarter, read them more fairy tales
Imagination has a lot to do with intelligence.
9. No one can read the Gospel without feeling the presence of Jesus
The Gospel has a great religious content, as Einstein, a man who he declared himself a believer.
10. Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love
Emotions permeate our life, but they are not something tangible
11. It's strange to be known so universally and still be so lonely
Having fame does not indicate that we cannot feel alone.
12. Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler
In science, it is necessary to simplify things so that others understand them, but not so much that we do not put effort or interest in it.
13. You don't really understand something unless you are able to explain it to your grandmother.
When we truly understand something, then we are able to teach it to someone.
- You may be interested: "The 45 best phrases of Lev Vygotsky"
14. I live in that loneliness painful in youth but delicious in maturity
Again, when we get older, we value to be alone for a while and disconnect.
15. We are all very ignorant. What happens is that we do not all ignore the same things
Just as we all have different talents, we are also unaware of different things.
16. The value of the product is found in the production
The cost of producing something is what makes it expensive.
17. The way they are trying to heal people is so slow that by the time they find the cure, the people will be gone. That is not very efficient.
A critique of how progress is being made on health issues.
18. We mortals achieve immortality in the things that we create in common and that remain after us.
A date that forces you to reflect deeply on our existence.
19. All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree
A quote that deals with different disciplines and belief systems and the relationship between them.
20. The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.
One of the best virtues of the human being it is knowing how to give, because everyone knows how to receive.
21. Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind
The ideology of people moves the world, and for Einstein religion was a fundamental pillar of this.
22. Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted
A play on words that makes a lot of sense.
23. The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.
Creativity and scientific advances are closely related, according to Einstein after his experience.
24. A perfection of means and confusion of goals seems to be our main problem.
A critique of why science makes mistakes.
25. We are architects of our own destiny
We are the ones who forge the way.
26. Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them
A comparison between intellectuals and those considered geniuses.
27. Everyone should be respected as individuals, but no one idolized
We are all human beings, although sometimes we can idolize someone.
28. There is a motive force more powerful than steam, electricity and atomic energy: the will
The will moves people toward change and transformation.
29. Sad times of ours! It is easier to disintegrate an atom than a prejudice
A complaint about how we humans can behave.
30. In times of crisis the imagination is more effective than the intellect
Creativity is key to solving problems.
31. The formulation of a problem is more important than its solution
A good problem formulation can help many people solve problems.
32. At first all thoughts belong to love. After all the love belongs to the thoughts
Love is also a force that is capable of moving the world.
33. There is an extremely powerful force for which science has so far not found a formal explanation. That force is: love
Again, referring to how love moves people.
34. If A is success in life, then A = X + Y + Z. Where X is work, Y is pleasure and Z is keeping your mouth shut
One of Einstein's phrases that exude humor.
35. After the failure of humanity in the use and control of the other forces of the universe, which have turned against us, it is urgent that we feed on another kind of energy.
Humans we can be very destructive if we use our resources for our own benefit.
36. My non-belief in the existence of a God is not philosophical at all
Einstein speaks once more of his relationship with religion.
37. Intellectual growth must begin only at birth and only cease at death
We have a lifetime to develop and learn.
38. Without deep reflection one knows of the daily life that exists for other people
Self-reflection and empathy are closely related, so to put ourselves in the lives of others it is necessary to reflect.
39. The monotony and loneliness of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind
In lonely moments it's easier unleash our creativity.
40. We must humbly admire the beautiful harmony of the structure of this world as far as we can at the moment recognize it. And that's it
There are things that are difficult to explain, so we must observe and enjoy them.
41. It is impossible to conceive of peace when every action taken is with the prospect of possible future conflict.
Human beings can be very selfish and not seek cooperation.
42. I don't know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.
An ironclad criticism of how human beings behave. We must rethink the path we are taking.
43. The most important source of uranium is in the Belgian Congo
The Belgian Congo was what is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and was one of the largest uranium exporters to the United States.
44. Chance does not exist; God does not play dice
People we are masters of our destiny.
45. I see a pattern, but my imagination cannot visualize the architect of that pattern
Sometimes you have to let yourself be carried away by what you feel without having to seek explanations.
46. This life is the result of cause and effect, not what is supposed to be there, in the heavenly reward
What we do and how we behave influences the outcome.
47. Would you be so kind as to tell me if you are taking a stand in this war?
A question of whether or not you share that ideology.
48. Memory is the intelligence of fools
Einstein always was an advocate of creativity.
49. When scientists sought a unified theory of the universe, they forgot the most invisible and powerful of forces.
Sometimes we get obsessed with one thing and leave out others just as important.
50. Science can only be sure of what it is, not what it should be
Science tries to explain what happens with objective and measurable data.
51. I am really very grateful to you for allowing me to express myself here today, as a man, as a European and as a tool.
Einstein was and will be key to the knowledge of humanity.
52. Information is not knowledge
For information to become knowledge, it is necessary to reflect on it.
53. It cannot be my duty to have to search for a conduit between the nation that, for many years, has considered me its property.
A quote that talks about how Einstein felt.
54. From the point of view of a Jesuit priest I have always been, and always will be: an atheist
Einstein was an atheist, as this phrase makes clear.
55. The most beautiful and profound religious emotion that we can experience is the feeling of the mystical
Human beings are emotional beings. Feelings can sometimes be inexplicable.
56. The mystical beliefs of our times that show themselves in the growing stream of what is known as philosophy and spiritualism is to me no more than a symptom of weakness and confusion
What is not science has little power for Einstein.
57. I'm not an atheist, nor do I think he can be called a footballer
Again, making clear his position on religion.
58. Love is light Since it enlightens whoever gives it and receives it
Love is one of the great sensations that human beings can experience.
59. I cannot believe then in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the power to interfere with natural laws.
This scientist had no faith in the anthropomorphic model of God.
60. I prefer an attitude of humility that corresponds to the weakness of our intellectual capacity to understand the nature of our own being
Einstein was always a curious, also when it comes to your feelings.
61. Love is the most powerful source of energy in the whole world because it has no limits
Love is one of the great things in life.
62. Religion deals only with the evaluation of human thoughts and actions, it cannot justify the facts and the correlation between the facts.
Religion is not science and therefore cannot prove the facts.
63. The true nature of things, that's something we will never really know, never
There are things that human beings can never fully understand.
64. Never consider study as an obligation, but as the opportunity to penetrate the beautiful and wonderful world of knowledge
People must be motivated to learn new things.
65. Man's problem is not in the atomic bomb, but in his heart
The atomic bomb does not explode by itself, it is the human being who makes it explode.
66. I deeply regret not having known how to express what my heart houses, which has silently beat for you all my life
A confession about what Einstein did not tell a special person.
67. Education is what remains after forgetting what has been learned in school
Education, according to Einstein, goes beyond academic studies.
68. I am Jewish, but I have also been dazzled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene
This famous researcher was of Jewish origins at a time of severe persecution.
69. I am convinced that some political and social activities as well as some practices of Catholic organizations are harmful and even dangerous.
Einstein disagreed with the church.
70. When they asked me about a weapon capable of counteracting the power of the atomic bomb, I suggested the best of all: Peace.
The man don't make war if you don't want to.
71. When we learn to give and receive this universal energy, dear Lieserl, we will find that love conquers all
Love is a very powerful weapon to bring people together.
72. Many are the university chairs, but few are the wise and noble teachers. The classrooms are many and large, but there are not many young people with a true thirst for truth and justice
There are few individuals with a true critical spirit.
73. Nature hides its secrets because of its essential haughtiness, not because it is rude
Nature does not claim to be superior to anyone, but acts naturally.
74. In view of such harmony in the cosmos that I, with my humble mind, am able to recognize; It amazes me that there are still people saying that there is no God. But what really bothers me is that they quote me, to back up their arguments
Once again, Albert Einstein talks about religious beliefs.
75. In the summer of 1939, Dr. Szilard shared with me his views on the potential importance of uranium for national defense.
The use of uranium, many times, has had arms interest.
76. the important thing is not to stop questioning
The human being must never stop reflecting.
77. Our experiences consist of the reproduction and combination of sensory impressions, the concept of a soul without a body, it seems to me empty and devoid of meaning.
The body and the mind are closely related and, therefore, are part of the human experience.
- You may be interested: "Dualism in Psychology"
78. We see the universe, beautifully ordered and working according to its laws, but we can barely understand those laws a bit.
An appointment that, without a doubt, makes us reflect on the greatness of the universe and its mysterious essence.
79. We don't know anything about the world or about God. All our knowledge is nothing more than the knowledge of an elementary school child
Human beings develop and so does our cognitive ability and intelligence.
80. There are things that I will never understand, neither in this life nor in another.
An ironic phrase about how there are things that are strange to us.
81. Words mean whatever you want it to mean
It is not the events themselves that make us react in a certain way, but how we relate to them.
82. I believe in the God of Spinoza, who revealed himself in the harmony of everything that exists. Not in the God who hides behind the faith and actions of men
According to Einstein, the important thing is to reveal oneself in a harmony of what exists, not in a God who cares about destiny and actions of human beings.
83. I have repeatedly said that in my opinion, the idea of a personal god is a child's thought. You can call agnostic, but I do not share the crusades of professional atheists
A statement that shares the idea of the previous point.
84. It is not the result of scientific research that ennobles human beings and enriches their nature, but the struggle to understand while doing creative intellectual and mental work open
For Einstein, the attempt to understand is what makes people noble.
85. For those of us who are tied to old age, death comes as liberation
Seniors can be difficult for some people.
86. We are just children who have entered a bookstore full of books in many languages. We know someone must have written those books, we don't know how
A personal reflection of Einstein but that is applicable to everyone.
87. There are two ways of looking at life: one is believing that miracles do not exist, the other is believing that everything is a miracle
A one way to compare the mindset of believers and non-believers.
88. Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not really sure about the latter
A humorous phrase in which he affirms that human stupidity is frequent. It is in addition to one of the most famous Albert Einstein quotes.
89. Fanatical atheists are like slaves still feeling the weight of the chains that they long ago managed to remove with so much effort.
A critique of fanatical atheists. Bigotry and prejudice are closely related.
90. He who does not have the gift of wonder or enthusiasm would be better off being dead, because his eyes are closed
You have to be motivated to live, because if it doesn't make sense to stay alive.
91. God is there, abiding by the rules of nature, and he can be discovered by anyone who has the courage, imagination and persistence to go looking for him.
Making it clear that the only God that exists is nature.
92. One always instinctively does everything possible to postpone the arrival of the final deal.
Death is not a dish to the liking of most mortals.
93. The search for the truth is what moves many people
Many individuals are curious and try to find meaning in their life.
94. I've only mentioned birth control here and anywhere, when population growth represents in itself a risk to people's health and an obstacle to any attempt to organize peace in the planet
Einstein, throughout his life, gave his opinion on many issues, linked or not to his work discipline.
95. Life is very dangerous. Not for the people who do evil, but for those who sit down to see what happens
The problem, many times, is not that a person tries to do evil, but that no one prohibits it.
96. I have decided that when my time comes, I will bite the dust with as little medical assistance as possible.
An opinion from Einstein about his last days of life.
97. My political ideal is democratic
Democracy was at the base of the ideas of this researcher.
98. Imagination is more important than knowledge
Creativity is a form of intelligence that not everyone masters.
99. Science is the attempt to make the chaotic diversity of our sensory experience correspond to a logically uniform system of thought.
Science tries to explain the events that may seem confusing around us.
100. The joy of seeing and understanding is the most perfect gift of nature
Pay attention and try understand what is happening around us it is a great virtue.
101. If your intention is to describe the truth, do it with simplicity and elegance leave it to the tailor
When we try to understand complex truth, it is necessary to simplify it.
102. The word progress has no meaning as long as there are unhappy children
The goal of science should be the well-being of people.
103. What separates me from those called atheists is my feeling of humility towards the innumerable secrets of the harmony of the cosmos
Although Einstein did not believe in God, he respected the opinions of others.
104. Curiosity should be part of our day to day
People must be curious to understand what is happening around us.
105. The value of a man for his community is usually set according to how he guides his sensitivity, his thinking and his action towards the claim of others
Not everyone has the same degree of empathy or the same intention to help others.
106. I do not have special talents, but I am deeply curious
Einstein claims not to be a genius, but a very curious person.
107. Science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thought
A very personal way of defining science.
108. The life of a man without religion is meaningless; and not only makes him unhappy, but incapable of living
The author tries to explain why some people are believers.
109. I never think about the future. Comes too soon
The important thing is to be thinking about the present, because the future cannot be lived yet.
110. The biggest mystery in the world is that it is understandable
What science fails to demonstrate, becomes very mysterious.
111. A person who has never made a mistake never tries anything new
Mistakes are great opportunities to grow and learn.
112. The ideals that illuminate my path and time and time again have given me the courage to face life with joy have been: kindness, beauty and truth
These three elements are three great virtues that a person can possess.
113. Maturity begins to manifest itself when we feel that our concern is greater for others than for ourselves
When we are younger, we tend to be more self-centered.
114. It's crazy to do the same thing over and over again hoping to get different results. If you want different results, do not do the same
If you want to change your life, it is best to take a different path.
115. Man finds God behind every door that science manages to open
Science and religion are different things, because science pretends to prove the facts, religion does not.
116. Humanity's desire for peace can only be realized through the creation of a world government
If we want peace in the world, the borders must end up disappearing.
117. The mind is like a parachute... It only works if we have it open
Having an open mind is one of the best qualities someone can possess.
118. You can't blame gravity for falling in love
An ingenious play on words that cannot be translated and that also has to do with the field in which Einstein was an expert.
119. The only real valuable thing is intuition
Intuition is, many times, the right way.
120. Emotions sometimes don't let us reflect as we should
We are emotional beings, and not controlling emotions can cause us to make some mistakes.
121. Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character
Positive will and attitude are some of the keys to achieving what we want.
122. Try not to become a man of success, but to become a man of value
A person of value is one who performs at his best in what he does.
123. The fundamental concepts and principles of science are free inventions of the human spirit
Humans need to understand and, therefore, we rely on science.
124. An empty stomach is a bad advisor
When emotions dominate us, reason can take a back seat.
- You may be interested: "Are we rational or emotional beings?"
125. Who has never made a mistake has never tried something new
We learn from mistakes. They are keys to change and improve.
