How to Think Like Einstein

by Daniel Smith

Learn how Einstein, the man who evolved and altered the scientific landscape forever, viewed the world, and how his theories and the way he researched changed what we now take for granted—now in paperback The German theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein, developed the world's most famous equation, E=mc^2, helped to establish quantum theory, and published over 300 scientific papers in his lifetime. He questioned the accepted classical worldview and tore it apart with his theories of relativity. It is for many reasons that his name has become synonymous with the word "genius." How to Think Like Einstein reveals just how he accomplished his achievements with a strong determination, visualized his goals to develop a clear strategy, and viewed each success as a stepping-stone for his next challenge, never believing his work was complete. Comprehensive yet accessible, this book will have you thinking like the great man in no time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Biography, Philosophy, Self Help

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2014

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your objective reading this book is really to start thinking like Einstein, like it advertises you will, you might find it disappointing, because... Come on... However, I liked it, its organization makes it easier to get a glimpse at Einstein's life, focusing mainly not on his remarkable scientific achievements but on the human being behind them and the humanitarian causes for which he fought. You may not start to think like Einstein but you can certainly learn something in this book from the life of this great human being.

[Jola (czytanienaplatanie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Myśl jak Einstein” jest pierwszą książką z serii „How To Think Like” Daniela Smitha wydaną w naszym kraju. Wcześniej pojawił się jedynie audiobook „Myśl jak da Vinci”, jeśli się mylę, to sprostujcie. I powiem Wam, że choć książka ta jest zakwalifikowana do poradników, to jest to niesamowicie ciekawa forma biografii z jednej strony ukazująca nam życie osobiste, odkrycia i światopoglądy geniusza, jakim był Einstein, z drugiej podpowiadając jakie cechy należałoby rozwijać, by zacząć myśleć, jak on.

Pewnie nie wszyscy z nas byliby w stanie rozpoznać portrety Galileusza czy Newtona, ale każdy bezbłędnie odgadnie kim jest mężczyzna z rozwichrzoną czupryną siwych włosów, który automatycznie „kojarzy się z typem sympatycznego, kochanego, szalonego profesora”. I wielu z nas pewnie jest świadomych jak bardzo wstrząsnął światem publikując teorię względności i tworząc podwaliny mechaniki kwantowej.

Jego buntowniczy charakter, dziecięca ciekawość świata, podważanie status quo, „awersja do naginania się do wymogów otoczenia”, myślenie intuicyjne, ale też systematyczna praca pozwalały mu patrzeć dalej, szerzej, nieszablonowo. Jego chęć odkrycia odpowiedzi na ważne pytania o działanie niewidzialnych sił we wszechświecie była nieposkromiona, poświęcał jej każdą chwilę. "Chciał lepiej zrozumieć harmonię Kosmosu i to właśnie udało mu się osiągnąć ".

Nie każdy jednak wie, że Albert Einstein miał dwie żony i kilkoro dzieci. Że był niemieckim Żydem w czasach gdy narastał antysemityzm. Że był humanistą i przeciwnikiem wojen "i starał się powstrzymać rozpowszechnianie niszczycielskiej broni, jaka pojawiła się na świecie częściowo za sprawą jego pracy”. I że za sprawą jego listu do prezydenta Roosevelta powstał program Manhattan, który doprowadził do stworzenia broni atomowej.

Jakim był jednak człowiekiem, mężem i ojcem? Kim zostałby, gdyby nie dane mu było zajmować się fizyką? Dlaczego nigdy nie nosił skarpetek? Jak taki geniusz nauki postrzegał religię i Boga?
W tej fascynującej książce przedstawiającej wiele faktów i ciekawostek z życia Einsteina dowiadujemy się tego wszystkiego i wiele, wiele więcej, a wszystko podane w przyjemnej, jasnej formie, przystępnym językiem. Bo i przecież Einstein potrafił niesamowicie jasno i czytelnie wytłumaczyć werbalnie swoje teorie, co było ewenementem, podobnie jak zawsze szukał prostych rozwiązań dla wielkich problemów.

Czy po lekturze tej książki będzie można zacząć myśleć jak geniusz? Z pewnością jest na to szansa, jeśli zastosuje się zawarte w niej rady w praktyce, bo w tym przypadku nie wystarczy być teoretykiem, jak Einstein. Mam nadzieję, że zostaną u nas wydane inne książki z tej serii, bo ta była niesamowicie interesująca i szczerze polecam ją Waszej uwadze.

[Alexandra Juarez]

This book is amazing. It not gives details about the theoretical physician's work but, also his life. The book includes a timeline of important events in Einstein's life. There is even facts about his school days. I love this book. I recommend this book if you look biographies and science.

[Linn Ìan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Թեթև, պարզ, հետաքրքիր...

Գիրքն իրականում ծանոթացնում ա Հանճարին, իր մտքերին ու կյանքին։

Ընդհանուր զարգացվածության համար լավ տարբերակ ա, ավելորդ ինֆորմացիա չկա, եղածն էլ հեշտ մարսվող։

[Farah · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the writing may have been explicit, it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind and was looking for. I wanted to see how Einstein’s brain worked and how he came to be. This book reveals his sayings (mostly quotes) along with his social behavior. The writing was good but complex in a way its as if the author doesn’t want you to understand. Overall, I’m just really glad I finished the book, because it has been on my to do list for quite some time.

[Notholden]

Bits of biography strewn about in a predictably enormous amount of fluff offensive in an ironic fashion to the clear-headed, penetrating rationality and inspired originality Einstein culturally represents. The noncontributivity, uncompellingness, and unsubstantiveness of the narrative commentary, in effect, leaves a smattering of factoids and quotations the reader may begin to form their own impression with.

[Abdurrahman AlQahtani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part memoir and part how-to guide to living a creative and pacifist life like Einstein’s. I very much liked how the author depicted beautifully the personality of Einstein as a human before being a genius and a scientist.

The book is laid out in consumable chunks that can be read in quick settings without the fear of losing context. The chapters are simply lessons learned (and sometimes “not” learned from the part of Einstein) throughout his life. You will see anecdotes from Einstein’s life supported by reports and quotes from his family, friends, acquaintances, and media. Each anecdote is full of life and wisdom anyone can benefit from, with a hint of science “gibberish” that is hardly understandable by the regular person.

If you are looking for a lightweight memoir of Einstein’s life with a focus on lessons learned, then I suggest you go and get this light and enjoyable read.

[Betsy Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book as it highlights the key characteristics of Einstein. The book was written in a manner that is easy to follow, and key elements or landmarks about Einstein's life. He led a remarkable life, following his principles and I will share the ones I like most: 1. Life is like a marathon, not a sprint; 2. Follow your intuition; 3. See the world differently; 4. Seek out like minds; 5. Immerse yourself; 6. Don't neglect those closest to you; 7. Take time to unwind; 8. Think BIG; 9. Swim against the tide; 10. Think even BIGGER; 11. Consider the moral implications of your work; 12. Don't fight time; 13. Make your peace wit the Cosmos.
It is really a worth reading book to get a glimpse of Einstein's life. Highly recommended.

[Chesway · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prescriptive biography. Two stars not for the author, but rather for Einsein.
Lesson learnt : "Never meet your heroes." :(

[Amir · Rating 1 out of 5]

برای اطلاعات عمومی خوب بود ولی نه بیشتر.

[Can Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally read this book after a dear friend gifted it to me years and years ago for my 15th birthday, due to my interest in historical scientist biographies! She understands my taste very well and I thank her so much! 💛

How To Think Like Einstein is a strange book, in that it markets itself like a Self Help book, but is clearly an overview biography of the man himself. This is fine by me - I'm here almost exclusively for the history lesson - but it does lead to a weird format. Almost every chapter is titled after some general truism (like "consider the implications of your work", "think big", "Reject Authority"), with the chapter then discussing a moment in Einstein's life that reflected this truism. Except, there are also chapters titled things like "Don't Neglect Those Closest To You" with the chapter going on to explain... how Einstein DID neglect those closest to him at times. The format is also broken with chapters that are given standard biography titles like "Einstein and God", that goes on to explain Einstein's interesting attitude to religion and anti-nationalism. I wish the book leaned in to what it is, rather than what it isn't (it's not a self help book), and was titled something more accurate like "What We Can Learn From Einstein", a title that would better tie these disparate elements together.

I also took issue to some language used in this book, though I'll blame that on age. The author repeatedly refers to Mileva Marić as a "female" where he could have simply called her a "woman", for example. In another instance, the book insists at the start "yes, Einstein had Echolalia as a kid but he was not Afflicted with autism, i promise! He was the opposite of autistic!" (paraphrasing), which I took issue with because
A) many autistics would not necessarily call all aspects of our condition "affliction", and
B) There are more instances than I can count where one of Einstein's 'quirks' will be discussed in a way that makes me go "oh! autism. i know someone who does this"

This is otherwise, an excellent overview biography of a highly interesting man, and the perfect jumping-off point for further research! The facts it presents are really interesting and enlightening, and the book clearly does present forth ideas of what we can actually learn from Albert Einstein and his life and career. I'm really thankful my friend gave me the chance to read it!

[Юлія Руднік-Гриньків · Rating 4 out of 5]

Знайомство з буттям і поверхнево із науковою діяльністю генія. Книга наповнена цитатами науковця, моментами з життя, його світоглядом. Автор показав Альберта зі сторони звичайної людини з великими прагненнями, який отримував задоволення від самого процесу мислення, який не відчував потреби підкорятися правилам, який думав переважно образами й відчуттями, а також міг наділяти фізичною реальністю абстрактні математичні конструкції, бунтарство якого та відмова приймати все як є зіграли важливу роль для створення теорії відносності, який через роботу уникав незручних особистих ситуацій, який, незважаючи на опозицію до будь-якої влади, став громадянином значно більшої кількості держав, ніж середньостатистична особа, який не носив шкарпеток, дізнавшись у юності, що великі пальці на ногах постійно протирають дірки у них.
Айнштейн - непересічна особистість. Як і личить великому розумові, у нього були свої досить дивні переконання.

«Після певного віку читання занадто відводить розум убік від його творчої погоні. Будь-хто, хто забагато читає і замало користується розумом, починає мислити ліниво, так само як і той, хто проводить забагато часу в театрі, спокушається задоволенням жити чужим жит-тям, замість того, щоб жити власним».

[Deepika Ghodki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, if you think you would start thinking like Einstein after reading this book, then you would be disappointed. This book won't make you smart, but what this book does is give you a sneak peak into the life of this renowned scientist who changed the world with his theory of relativity. This book is a collection of traits, quotes and excerpts from his life which humanise the celebrity that was Einstein. I was surprised to discover his role in the world war and how war affected him given his Jewish background. My biggest takeaway after reading this book is my changed perception about him - he was not just the genius who won the Noble prize, but much more - a husband who failed to keep his relationships, a scientist who didn't quite like Maths, an outsider who had to keep proving himself, a bold and confident individual who didn't hesitate to put his thoughts forward and so on.

In the end Einstein's words sum it all - Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized.

[Tina Love · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a term paper. Complete with quotes and bullet points. The title is false; a failed concept. Would have been more appropriate to say that it was a mild biography. Einstein's way of thinking is probably unknown to everyone including himself. The hubris of this book title alone put me off from the book. No you're not going to think like Einstein after this. If you want to read a biography, then fine.

[Bella Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Μια απίστευτα δημιουργική προσωπικότητα , που παρόλες τις ι
Χαρακτηριστική φιγούρα που αγωνίστηκε ως τέλους για την ειρήνη πάνω στη Γη. και έκρουσε από νωρίς το κώδωνα για τη κακή χρήση της τεχνολογίας ( εις βάρος των ανθρώπων ) από τους πολιτικούς.
Δεν αποδέχτηκε την ιθαγένεια καμίας χώρας και η μοναδική που εμπιστεύτηκε τον πλήγωσε

[Nastya Ostap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Не стоит возлагать большие надежды на книгу судя по её названию. Думать и быть Эйнштейном Книга не поможет, но больше узнать о его философии, наиболее важных событиях жизни ученого - да. Про научный вклад написано очень мало и бегло. Есть стимул углубиться в эту тему после Книги.

[Wiaan W.A. Van Rensburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book which includes the history of Einstein.
Nice, light, little read which I enjoyed.
Unfortunately did not blow me away...

[Yoganand Kulkarni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beautiful book for those who want to know Him

[Hayfaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but it didn't give enough chapters on the 'how to'.

[Arjun Saharawat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book - enjoyed learning about Einstein.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ NOV 2021

Nice piece on different facets of Einstein's life.

[Marwa Tageldeen · Rating 1 out of 5]

the boredom
God ! the boredom

[Le Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected but I enjoyed it! I loved the author's flow and easy to read style with generous incitation quotes.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Nothing spectacular.

[Can · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me in aw as I discovered many aspects of Einstein's life I would have never known if I hadn't got this book into my hands. I enjoyed the landmarks shown from exact year to year of events that took place in Einstein's life. Something that was overdone by this Author that I didn't really enjoy were the date placements being random every chapter. More specifically the dates that were stated in the actual book had lost my thinking and got me stuck in a brain labyrinth. This book is a really good fit for people who enjoy learning from others adversities and how they overcome them especially for such a figure as Einstein. This book is also for people who like to acknowledge how life is not always so perfect and filled with such joy as a disney movie would. I took an interest in this book because of my pure curiosity of how such a figure as Einstein would try to inspire me and it also took my interest because of how uncommon it is for me to read an autobiography. Another reason this book dragged me in is because of my competitive nature in wanting to know as much as I can about this world so this book is almost a necessary book for me to read. This book is similar to some sports autobiographies I have read and I say this because of the equal quality of perseverance and rethinkable choice making that could be more enhanced by such figures. Yet again this book can also be related to books about what it really takes to become Einstein as his weakness' are showcased by the author many times.

[Aditya Justa · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Albert Einstein exemplified the mighty creative ability of the individual in a free society.'
- President Eisenhower.

The book doesn't provide insights on How to think like Einstein per se if anyone is expecting to learn the 'thinking techniques' Einstein used, but it justifies its title. In fact, it is a short glimpse into the life of a man who is the author of the most famous equation E=MC^2.

Throughout the book, with the help of anecdotes, beyond the genius physicist we see Einstein as a human being with flaws, fears and uncertainty. A daydreamer, a recluse, an outcast for being a Jew, one often rebelling against the authority and sometimes a careless man, but what made him extraordinary was his never-dying curiosity, belief in himself, pushing the limits of his imagination and sticking with problems longer, working and reworking on them again and again. The book briefly outlines how Einstein changed our perception of reality. Although indirectly responsible for the creation of the atomic bomb, he detested wars and spent his entire life advocating for world peace.

I would recommend reading this book because it is part 'what-to-do and whatnot-to-do guide' about life in general. The content is laid out in form of brief chapters and is decently gripping. However, I felt that the language is a bit tough in between.

[Joel Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE MONOTONY OF A QUIET LIFE STIMULATES THINKING.

Born in Germany in 1879. Died in 1955 aged 76.

Simplicity was at the base of all that was beautiful in his view. Mozart's compositions were simple.

He felt no need to conform and had a distinct streak of arrogance as a child - this gave him the impetus to follow remarkable new directions.

Intuition had sources that might not be immediately clear but which ultimately stemmed from a previously acquired accumulation of knowledge and thought.

His hunger for simple explanations to great problems was fed by, and fed into, a desire to retain a childlike wonder at the world.

Einstein was a man of mostly modest tastes - he believed that plain living was good for both body and soul.

Einstein was friends with Charlie Chaplin.

Anything truly novel is invented only during ones youth.

1905, at the age of 26, was his most productive year - 4 scientific papers which rewrote the rules of science.

E= MC^2. Energy = mass x speed of light squared.

Any man that reads too much and uses his brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.

We dont grow old no matter how long we live if we never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.

[Bruno Guerreiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Einstein was a brilliant man. I strongly recommend all readers to watch the Genius series based on Albert Einstein after reading this book: it will be enriching. There is little to be said without giving spoilers about that man's accomplishments: he really was born with a purpose, and fulfilled it thoroughly, as he still is considered the epitome of intelligence.

[Jeevan Koneti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and inspiring