Albert Einstein’s Advice Before He Died
William Miller, an editor at Life Magazine, interviewed Albert Einstein just months before his death. He took his son Pat with him.
The real reason Miller arrived at Einstein’s home unannounced was to give his son Pat, a freshman at Harvard, some inspiration. During the day, Pat asked for life advice.
The Interview appeared in Life Magazine, May 1955. Einstein died of an aneurism on April 18, 1955.
Image by Jackie Ramirez from Pixabay
Einstein’s advice to Pat Miller:
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.
Never lose a holy curiosity.”
Success:
Einstein continued…
“Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. He is considered successful in our day who gets more out of life than he puts in. But a man of value will give more than he receives.”
What is the difference between being a success and being a person of value?
Source: The Death of a Genius – Click here.
Images of Einstein’s office taken after his death – Click here – The Day Albert Einstein Died: A Photographer’s Story.
I think that Einstein perfectly describes servant leadership in his last piece of advice. Give more to those you lead than you expect from them in return.
Perfect application, Sean.
Sean well said!!
The difference….. a servant leader. So the great Albert Einstein had that down. Go figure!😊
Thanks, Nancy. He’s a fascinating character. It seems he was playful, sloppy, and quiet. When I saw the images of his office taken after his death, I thought so much for being neat and tidy.
Dan, one of the things I took from my grandfather after he passed was a plaque with the Einstein quote of “becom(ing) a man of value”. It sits on my desk and has been my reminder for the last 25 years on why I pour back into my people and why they help build success. It also ties into a lesson my first boss in the grocery store taught me – Always leave it a little better than you found it.
Powerful, Shawn. Simple truths are easy to forget.
Love Einstein’s call to keep curiosity alive and to appreciate a little more of “the mystery” that is right before us each day. Wow! Given his deep study of these topics it’s remarkable that he still found them worth his present attention.
He was curious, playful, and believed in imagination. He seemed to delight in the mysteries of the universe. Seems like a great way to live.
Dan,
Thanks for bringing this great insight to my memory. It’s just the right way to live and lead. It keeps our perspective right and others-centered. I have found if I focus on becoming a man of value…success tends to take care of itself. Thanks again!
Thanks Tim. With all the time pressure people feel a little reminder feels healthy. Cheers