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Conversations With Albert Einstein
Conversations With Albert Einstein
Posted on December 6, 2011 in: Adam Sicinski, Entrepreneurs, IQ Matrix Maps, iQuote Matrix
Albert Einstein is without question one of the greatest and most recognized icons of the past hundred years. His accomplishments and discoveries have challenged how we think while radically altering our perspective of reality. Most of us know Einstein through television documentaries and books. He comes across as a little bit of a nutty professor at times, however this couldnt be further from the truth. Einstein was not only a scientist, but also an inspirational and successful individual who has taught us valuable lessons about what it takes to make a mark in this world.
What follows is a transcript of a hypothetical conversation I had with Albert Einstein. Ive taken Einsteins words and turned them into a dialogue about all aspects of success, achievement, creativity and much, much more as they relate to our modern era. The interview provides many tremendous insights into the mind of this great man. Please keep in mind that many of these quotes are written word-for-word as Einstein spoke them. However, at times I have added additional words in order to spark further discussion and linkages between topics. As you read through this transcript Im confident you will discover the qualities, traits, attitude, values, and beliefs that transformed a seemingly lowly patent office worker into one of the greatest scientists and thinkers of the past two thousand years of human history. Moreover, I hope you will find inspiration in Einsteins words to help you with your lifes endeavors.
Einstein: Without a doubt in my mind, imagination is far more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. Imagination is in fact everything. It is the preview of lifes coming attractions. However, at the same time you must bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the works of many generations. All this is put in your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honor it, add to it, and one day hand it on to your children. Adam: Thats very interesting. Schools no doubt provide a great platform for knowledge, however, imagination and creativity arent really encouraged at school these days. Instead its all about using logic, facts and information. I guess logic and knowledge are important, but we might very well be missing out on something much more powerful. Einstein: Yes, of course. Logic will no doubt get you from A to B. However, imagination will take you everywhere. I am a scientist, and yet I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Adam: Is that how you generate all these scientific theories and ideas that others at first tend to ridicule and criticize? Is it a result of your creative imagination? Einstein: If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it. My imagination considers all possibilities even if at first some of them might seem a little on the crazy side. Adam: I guess that imagination is probably the secret to creativity and everything you have managed to accomplish to date. Einstein: I want to be very honest with you Adam (leaning-in to whisper). The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. Adam: So what youre saying is that you take ideas from other areas, people, maybe even from the environment and combine them with something else that brings your ideas and theories to fruition. Is that correct? Einstein: Yes, that is correct. However, the only real valuable thing at that point is intuition.I use my intuition, not logic, to help make these important decisions.
Einstein on Simplicity
Adam: One thing that impresses me about your theories is the fact that you seem to be able to make the most complex of ideas sound simple. Einstein: Yes, I endeavor to make everything as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler. Adam: Thats very interesting. Theres all this talk these days about simplicity, simplifying your life, and clearing the clutter. I guess when it comes to idea generation this is also very relevant. When communicating our ideas to others we should
probably focus more on the simplicity of our messagerather than bogging people down with too much information. One powerful method that I have personally found quite valuable comes in the form of visual thinking. Einstein: Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.
and then you have to play better than anyone else. That is exactly how I solve my problems. Adam: Thats very interesting. So the fact that you are willing to persist and stick with problems for longer while others are giving up, gives you an edge. I guess it all comes down to the attitude that we project into the universe while trying to solve our lifes problems. Einstein: Yes indeed that is correct. Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character, and as a result nothing gets accomplished. In fact the ideals which have lighted my way, and time-after-time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty, and truth. Adam: Are they your keys to success? Einstein: Know where to find the information and how to use it thats the secret to success. However, I try not to become a man of success, I rather try to become a man of value. Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life is based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving. Humility is the key.
new opportunity and possibilities. I guess in theory this sounds great. However, what would you say to those who are trying to get their plans off the ground and nobody seems to believe in them or in their ideas? Einstein: Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. Its only when you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, that something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about.
Einstein on Curiosity
Adam: Thats great advice. But how can we look at ourselves from a universal standpoint? Is it easy to do? Einstein: The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity. Adam: Yes, asking questions, being curious I guess thats another key to success. But how could we apply this practice on a daily basis? Einstein: Its simple. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. I am merely inquisitive. Adam: I guess this inquisitive nature keeps you on your toes and learning new things every day. Einstein: The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education. Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking. Adam: Thats awesome advice. Some really big takeaways here. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today. However, before I let you go, I have one final question I wanted to ask you. Youre considered to be one of the most intelligent and creative people that has ever lived. You must have answers for almost everything. I wanted to ask you a very important question that a lot of male listeners are dying to know the answer to. The question is: What is the secret to understanding women? Einstein: I dont know, I dont care, and it doesnt make any difference!
Firstly, the quotations are designed to provide you with insights into Einsteins personality, qualities, mindset, belief systems and attitude. Secondly, the power words extending from the middle branches are designed to pinpoint key qualities and behaviors that distinguished Einstein. Thirdly, key questions and statements extending from the quotations are designed to help you mimic Einsteins thinking style and approach to life.