“Student: Dr. Einstein, Aren't these the same questions as last year's [physics] final exam?
Dr. Einstein: Yes; But this year the answers are different.”
―
Albert Einstein
“In the temple of science are many mansions, and various indeed are they that dwell therein and the motives that have led them thither. Many take to science out of a joyful sense of superior intellectual power; science is their own special sport to which they look for vivid experience and the satisfaction of ambition; many others are to be found in the temple who have offered the products of their brains on this altar for purely utilitarian purposes. Were [someone to] drive all the people belonging to these two categories out of the temple, the assemblage would be seriously depleted, but there would still be some men, of both present and past times, left inside. Our Planck is one of them, and that is why we love him.”
―
Albert Einstein
“Brief is this existence, as a visit in a strange house. The path to be pursued is poorly lit by a flickering consciousness.”
―
Albert Einstein
“Phantasie ist wichtiger als Wissen, denn Wissen ist begrenzt.”
―
Albert Einstein
“That deep emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.”
―
Albert Einstein
“The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.”
―
Albert Einstein
“The development from a religion of fear to moral religion is a great step in peoples' lives.”
―
Albert Einstein
“The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
―
Albert Einstein
“A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be.”
―
Albert Einstein
“The longing to behold this pre-established harmony [of phenomena and theoretical principles] is the source of the inexhaustible patience and perseverance with which Planck has devoted himself ... The state of mind which enables a man to do work of this kind is akin to that of the religious worshiper or the lover; the daily effort comes from no deliberate intention or program, but straight from the heart.”
―
Albert Einstein
“The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.”
―
Albert Einstein
“True religion is real living; living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness.”
―
Albert Einstein
“I never made one of my discoveries through the process of rational thinking”
―
Albert Einstein
“Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.”
―
Albert Einstein
“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?”
―
Albert Einstein
