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This Week: October 3, 2005

This Week Archive

Quantum Diaries special blog: Einstein: What's the Big Idea?
One hundred years ago, Albert Einstein had a revelation: Energy equals matter, E=mc2. Now, the 33 physicists of Quantum Diaries are teaming up to bring you a special discussion of Einstein, his accomplishments, and his legacy. Joining them is NOVA Senior Executive Producer Paula Apsell, who will discuss NOVA's program about the famous equation, Einstein's Big Idea, which will air on PBS on October 11.

We want you to participate in the discussion, too! You can comment directly on any post or submit your comments and questions to the bloggers at http://interactions.org/quantumdiaries/einstein

Some highlights of the discussion so far:

  • From Jochen Weller: "We are in a situation now, that if we believe Einstein's Equation of Gravity, 95% of the Universe are unknown to us. This reminds me of the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, The Emperor's New Clothes, where everybody admires the new suit of the emperor, which according to the crooked tailors is only visible to smart people. Until a little kid shouts: 'But he [the emperor] has nothing on at all.'" Read more...

  • From Ursula Bassler: "The early stages of the relationship between Einstein and [his first wife] Mileva certainly created an environment in which the creativity and the intelligence could grow and was mutually enhanced. Personally I don't think Einstein looses anything from his genius by recognizing Mileva's contribution, it makes him more human - wisdom, maybe even kindness, needs mistakes and failures to grow." Read more...
 Einstein