Albert Einstein Facts for Kids

So, Who Exactly Was Albert Einstein?

Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 - 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist. A leading figure in theoretical physics throughout the early-mid 20th century, he is now one of most well-known and respected scientists of all time.

Einstein independently developed the theory of relativity, the backbone of modern physics, and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 both for discovering the photoelectric effect and his overall contribution to theoretical physics. Einstein is perhaps most well known for his equation E = mc², the formula for mass-energy equivalence which shows that mass is directly related to energy.

• In 1952, Einstein was offered the ceremonial position of becoming the second President of Israel, then a relatively new country. He reluctantly decided to turn down the offer, stating that he had "neither the natural ability nor the experience" for the job.
• Though Einstein is often mistakenly added to the list of famous left-handed figures, there are many photographs that prove his right handedness. Sorry, lefties!
• Einstein was strongly outspoken and political. He championed civil rights, calling segregation "a disease," and promising that he did, "not intend to be quiet about it."
• Partly because of stomach problems and partly because of his compassion for animals, Einstein became a vegetarian later in his life.
• It's often mentioned that Einstein was a poor student and that he failed his university entrance exam. In reality, however, he took the test 2 years before most students––and failed only the parts that were given in French.
• Einstein spent quite a lot of energy inventing and applied about 50 patents in his lifetime. One such patent was for a silent refrigerator that could supposedly last up to 100 years.
• At age 12, Einstein taught himself algebra and geometry with a textbook given to him by his tutor. Soon after, he started to teach himself calculus, which he mastered at 14.