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Kristen Peter
Ms. Figuroa
World Literature- Block B
April 29, 2013
Albert Einstein
E=mc^2: A Biography of the Worlds Most Famous Equation
By
Summary
The book E=mc^2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation is a biography on
the equation Einstein is famous for: E=mc^2. In this biography is the history of how Energy was
discovered to be a thing that connected everything, an example being a connection between
electricity and magnetism. It tells about how the equals sign came to be along with how mass
was discovered and how it works. It tells how celeritas is a Latin word that is used for the speed
of light, along with some of the unfortunate events that happened to the people that discovered
these things. Not only does it describe these things individually, but it also tell why and how
these things relate. After informing the reader of the history of the counterparts of the equation, a
story of Einstein's life around the time he produced the equation is told, and Einstein's way of
thinking for the equation is explained as much as possible. Bodanis also explains a few of the
many things that have been made possible due to this equation, such as the structure of the atom
or how atoms can be split. Another thing that the reader is informed of is the use of this equation
in our daily lives, such as when we use a camera or watch a bit of television.

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Review
E=mc^2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation has been, by far, the most
interesting science book I've read. It gives a new take on understanding E=mc^2 and doesn't just
briefly explain it. It is literally a biography on the equation and therefore tells you about every
part of E=mc^2 in such a way that it doesn't require you to have any knowledge on the subject. It
explains how energy, mass, celeritas, squared, and even the equals sign were discovered and
what exactly each part is and what part each of them play. Though, the jumping from different
time periods can be confusing, it clearly explains everything else. It managed to keep my
attention and make me eager to be able to pick up the book again and continue my reading. This
biography is like a collection of several shorter than short stories that all relate to the same thing.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in physics, science, or even just the equation,
especially if they have no knowledge of the aforementioned.

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What is their occupation? What are they known for?

Albert Einstein is best known for the equation e=mc^2. According to Dave, "the
implications of it led directly to the atomic bomb and nuclear power." Though, Albert Einstein is
also known for two theories of relativity and for being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
(Dave par 1). As it can correctly be assumed, Einstein was a physicist ("Albert Einstein" par 2).
What are their cultural origins? (where were they born and family ancestry)
In the year 1876 on August 8, an 18 year old Pauline Koch, born in Cannstatt, married a
merchant by the name of Hermann Einstein, born in Buchau. They lived in Ulm, Germany "
where Herman became joint partner in a bed feathers company." On March 14th of 1879, Albert
Einstein was born in Ulm. In the summer of 1880, the Einstein Family moved to Munich where
"the two brothers founded the electrical engineering company Einstein & Cie." There, Maria
Einstein was born on November 18, 1881.
In 1894, Einstein & Cie was moved to Pavia, Italy while the Einsteins moved to Milan,
Italy only to move to Pavia a year later. "Albert stayed with relatives in Munich to continue his
education there." Einstein & Cie was abandoned in 1896 because of poor business. Hermann
founded an electrical engineering company and ran it until October 10, 1902 when he died of
heart failure. After Hermann's death Pauline went to live with her sister and brother-in-law in
Hechingen, Germany. She later died in Berlin due to cancer in 1920 ("Einstein Family" par 414).
What is their personal history? (brief background; including career, marriage and death)
Albert Einstein was born March 14th 1879 in Ulm, Wurttemberg, Germany. In Munich,
Germany in the year 1889, "the Einstein family invited a poor medical polish student, Max
Talmud to come to their house" which prompted Talmud to become "an informal tutor to
young Albert, introducing him to higher mathematics and philosophy" ("Albert Einstein" par 3).
Einstein wrote his first paper at age 16. He dropped out of his first high school and attempted to
apply to Eidgenssische Polytechnische Schule, also known as Swiss Federal Polytechnic
School, in Zrich, Switzerland. Luckily, his marks were high enough in physics and mathematics
that "he was admitted to the school provided he completed his formal schooling first." In 1896
he graduated at the age of 17. Albert Einstein, being a pacifist, "renounced his German
citizenship to avoid military service and enrolled at the Zurich School" ("Albert Einstein" par 37).
Einstein preferred to study on his own, in coffeehouses, resulting in him cutting classes.
Einstein developed resentment towards one of his professors due to the fact that his professor
refused to teach Maxwell's Formulations. This resentment caused Albert Einstein to mockingly
address his professor as "Herr Weber rather than the expected Herr Professor Weber." As a
result of Einstein's mocking, his professor refused "to write a proper letter of recommendation

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for Einstein" (Bodanis 48). During his time at Zurich, Einstein had a friend by the name of
Mileva Maric who he later ended up dating. In 1902, they had a daughter with the name of
Lieserl, "who either died of sickness or was given up for adoption" ("Albert Einstein" par
9).
Unable to get a job until later in 1902, Einstein married Mileva Maric in 1903 on January
6th "with a small but steady income" They had their first son, Hans Albert Einstein, in May
of 1904 and their second son, Eduard Einstein, in July of 1910 ("Albert Einstein" par 10)
In 1905, Albert Einstein "submitted a paper for his doctorate and had four papers
published in the Annalen Der Physik" These four papers "would alter the course of modern
physics and bring him to the attention of the academic world." In one of these papers was his
famous equation E=mc^2. Due to the attention and help of Max Planck, Einstein "was offered
a series of positions at increasingly prestigious institutions" one of them being the University
of Berlin "where he served as director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics from 1913
to 1933" ("Albert Einstein" par 11-12).
As Einstein's marriage with Mileva began to fall apart, he eventually came to the
conclusion that it was over. In believing such he "began an affair with a cousin, Elsa
Lowenthal, whom he later married." He divorced Mileva in 1919 ("Albert Einstein" par 13).
"in the 1920s, the Nazis were rising to power under the leadership of Adolph Hitler" and in
1931Einstein learned that the government had passed a law that would no longer allow him to
teach at universities, and he "also learned that his name was on a list of assassination
targets" So in December of 1932, he moved to Princeton, New Jersey.
On April 17, 1955, "Einstein suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm and experienced
internal bleeding" He was taken to a hospital "but refused surgery, believing that he had
lived his life and was content to accept his fate." He died, at the age of 76, the next day on April
18, 1955 ("Albert Einstein" par 17-25).
What is the history of their country? (during their lifetime) How did the history impact their
success or failure?
In Germany from 1933 to 1945, the government was controlled by Adolf Hitler and his
Nazis. On the 30th of January in 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany. Slowly but surely,
Hitler managed to transform Germany from a republic to a dictatorship "using the process of
Gleichschaltung (coordination)." After President Paul von Hindenburg's death, on August 2nd
1934, Hitler became the dictator of Germany.
During the Great Depression, "the Nazi Government restored economic stability and
ended mass unemployment" The Germans worked on extensive public works and due to the
restoration of economic stability the Nazi Regime was more popular than ever.
The SS, or secret police, "persecuted and murdered Jews and other 'undesirables'"
Anything Hitler didn't like was to be gotten rid of, whether that meant thrown out or murdered.
"The government controlled artistic expression, promoting specific forms of art and discouraging

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or banning others." Joseph Goebbels was head of Hitler's propaganda and was very effective in
putting film, audio, and mass rallies together in a way to idolize Adolf Hitler.
Germany grew due to appeasement from Britain and France caused by Germany's "
increasingly aggressive demands, threatening war if they were not met." It eventually led to
Hitler making "a pact with Joseph Stalin" and invading Poland in September of 1939, "
starting World War I" (Nazi Germany par 1-5)
Due to Einstein being a Jew at birth, though later losing Jewish faith at the age of 12, and
living in Germany during this time, the Nazis affected him. The Nazi party "had passed a law
barring Jews from. teaching at universities" and Einstein, a professor in Berlin, would now no
longer be able to teach. Later on, Einstein "learned that his name was on a list of assassination
targets" along with received public yet passive threats to his life. Einstein, being a genius,
decided to leave Germany. He moved to the United States where he helped the United States win
the war, though not in a way he liked very much ("Albert Einstein" par 20-22).
What group is associated with them?
Einstein was associated with the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
The Institute for Advanced Study is "an independent postgraduate center for theoretical
research and intellectual inquiry" where research isn't "contracted or directed; it is left to each
individual researcher to pursue his or her own goals." Due to close proximity of Princeton
University the two places have "informal ties" and "a large number of collaborations"
("Institute for Advanced Study" par 1-4).

What are the practices/traditions of the group associated with them?

There are four studies associated with the Institute; these are Historical studies,
Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Science. Every year the Institute awards "
fellowships to 190 visiting members, from over 100 universities and research institutions." It
also has a faculty of 28 who select members from more than 1,500 applicants. The faculty
members usually stay for about a year, though some stay more ("Institute of Advanced Study"
Par 4).
Do they practice a religion, philosophy, belief system or other devotion?
Einstein was born into a Jewish family and continued with Jewish beliefs until the age of
twelve. When Einstein became known to the world, more and more people asked questions about
his beliefs along with accusations of what he believed.
To atheists whom had said Einstein was an atheist, he said, "there are yet people who
say there is no God. But what really makes me angry is that they quote me for the support of
such views." He has also said, many times, "the idea of a personal God is a childlike one." to

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those who assumed what he believed. In an interview, Einstein said, "I am not Atheist. I do not
know if I can define myself as a Pantheist. The problem involved is too vast for our limited
minds." He has called himself both Pantheistic and agnostic in several instances ("Religious
views of Albert Einstein" par 1-11).
What impact have they had on the world?
Albert Einstein has made a large impact on the world. With his most famous equation,
E=mc^2, being the first thing people think of when they hear 'Einstein' and the development of
the atomic bomb at his side, Einstein has left a permanent mark on this world. His Special
Theory of Relativity, for example, is the reason "we are able to receive such sharp images [on
a Television] today." Einstein's explanation of the Photoelectric Effect in 1905 also is the reason
we have digital camera which "can only take pictures because they contain a small sensor
which converts light into electricity" ("Einstein's Legacy" par 1-5).
Would you be interested in meeting them? Why?
I would love to meet Albert Einstein. Other than myself having a passion for science, I
believe any conversation with Einstein would be interesting, not to mention how sassy Einstein
had been. Einstein's quotes and works inspire me already and if I were to have a conversation
with him or to attend a lecture, I can only imagine how I personally would be influenced and
how my way of thinking could change. It would be an honor to meet such a person and I would
do so in a heartbeat, if possible.

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<http://patentednews.com/einstein/why-is-albert-einstein-famous/ >.

Paper ID: 325367417