During the visit to Albert Einstein’s historic residence in Bern, it was incredible to learn of his accomplishments in physics and his revolutionary view of the natural world between 1901 and 1907. But after reading of the extraordinary life of Madam Curie and other pioneering scientific women, hearing of the way he treated his first wife and children left something to be desired. To this day, the public is critical of high-achieving women and how they maintain their “duties” as a wife and mother while leading an enriching and fulfilling life while men are rarely questioned as to their involvement in their households.
Einstein, for all intents and purposes, abandoned his first born child when his then girlfriend returned to her family home to give birth and she has disappeared from any written records. It is entirely probable that Einstein never made the effort to meet his child. After he married his wife, who cared immensely for him and stood by him during his turbulent and stressful time as a patent clerk, she gave birth to two sons. The latter had a series of medical problems, which Einstein seemed to treat only as a nuisance and a distraction from his work. His wife was therefore solely responsible for raising and taking care of the children while Einstein worked longer hours and gained notoriety in the scientific community. After his successful publishing of his theories in 1905, Einstein continued his pattern of inattention to his family as he developed a romantic relationship with his cousin. His marriage ended in a divorce by his request, and he lost contact with his two sons as well.
The tour guide mentioned without much hesitation that Einstein was a brilliant man, but is often held on an unrealistic pedestal. His character he imposed in the office and the one he presented to those most dependent on him are in stark contrast to the physicist that is often revered as the most revolutionary figure in science since Newton. Though often described as a vivacious and playful young man, he left his family yearning for more of his time and energy as his fame consumed him.
I was presently surprised with how candidly our guide and the museum discussed Einstein's shortcomings as a father. I would've expected them to glorify him further in order to support business and encourage others to visit and perhaps buy more merchandise, but it seemed important to them to tell the truth all aspects of what they know. I appreciated this greatly.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s interesting how this brilliant man also wasn’t good at certain things. Bringing up his shortcomings as a parent influences how others see him as a person not as a scientist.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely an eye opening experience about Einstein. When learning about him you don’t learn much about his family life and I personally find that information interesting and important. The house and the museum did a great job highlighting this.
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