Einstein - Enablers of Success

As a patent clerk in Switzerland, Einstein helped revolutionise the field of theoretical physics. His fundamental research into motion of particles in space and time makes possible many of the industries, services and products we take for granted today. 

Examples of industries having benefited from Einstein's work include GPS, nuclear energy, mining, material science, and communication technologies among others.

Einstein’s claim to fame was the special theory of relativity published in 1905. One would imagine, that after publishing a body of work that has upended multiple fields, Einstein would at least be able to land a job in academia. 

However, it took until 1909 for Einstein to get an academic job at the Prussian Academy. By then, there was a voluminous body of scientific work that had been taken up by the academia and applied to various fields. 

Einstein, unable to keep abreast of the latest developments or work full time on physics, was desperately looking for a job in academia that would allow him the time and freedom to pursue his interests. 

Interestingly, Einstein’s recommendation for the position was backed by Max Plank, an established and well respected figure in international physics. Max Plank did not agree with many of Einstein’s ideas - he did not feel there was a requirement to ‘generalise’ the special theory of relativity, which Einstein did close to a decade after his ground breaking paper of 1905. 

Max Plank, however, allowed Einstein the freedom to express and explore his ideas. He made available resources, opportunities and professional introductions to further Einstein’s academic career. 

Einstein is one of the most widely known names in the history of physics. His achievements tower over those of his compatriots, and cast a long shadow on the generations of physicists who follow. 

What is easily forgotten, however, is that he had a Max Plank, a Subhash Chander Bose, a Johannes Stark among many others who contributed to his achievements, enabled financial and professional freedom, and created an ecosystem that allowed his achievements to reach the world. 

This ecosystem of friends, family, colleagues, and professional acquaintances were equally responsible for the developments arising from Einstein's original work. Without them, we may not have the luxury of Einstein's work and the developments it made possible!