Blog #17

            This section of “Ideas and Opinions,” was especially significant as the reader is exposed to a different side of Albert Einstein: one that is less empirical and more philosophical. Each segment of Part I in this book explores a different perspective that stretch beyond scientific thought and the first segment is fascinating as Einstein mentions the “death” of the language of Latin uniting everyone. This is a fascinating thought as the idea of a common language is applicable to the scientific realm, especially as communication is considered a fundamental practice in the progression of scientific thought and practice. Furthermore, Einstein then delved into other topics, and one that was particularly significant was a section where he notes of the differences between American and European cultures. In particular, he states that American science and technology is far more developed than that of the Europeans, and he attributes the slow-moving progression of European countries to the values they placed upon isolation and independence. As Einstein later notes, if an individual is isolated from birth, they will remain, “primitive and beastlike in his thoughts and feelings to a degree that we can hardly conceive” (Einstein 14). Again, this supports the Aristotelian idea of friendships–in the science community and beyond–as a fundamental tool used in the journey towards achieving eudemonia, or leading a flourishing life.

            However, it is important to note that Einstein does in fact strongly support the idea of independence within the scientific community, which is a significant point to illustrate as he is the first individual encountered thus far that has advocated for a balance between the community and the individual. As previously mentioned, Einstein was a strong advocate for establishing a bond with others and in doing so, creating a wholesome community of individuals communicating ideas effectively amongst one another. However, he also notes of the importance of maintaining one’s individuality within such a community; in other words, he states a strong community is a necessity, but too much unification may lead to something lackluster as all individual creativity diminishes. This concept again draws many parallels to that of “Nicomachean Ethics,” where Aristotle notes of the importance of friendships, but as mentioned during class discussion, I agree that friendships are not necessary but serve more as an accessory towards achieving eudemonia. This is clearly depicted in Barbara McClintock’s biography, where we see that although she did achieve her form of eudemonia, by connecting and feeling the oneness with nature and her research, it is significant to note that if she had formed friendships with others around her, she would have achieved such flourishing sooner. Lastly, as Einstein mentioned, a balance is necessary between maintaining one’s individuality, as it contributes creative thought processes and perspectives into the scientific pool of thought, and having the ability to formulate connections and learn to communicate with others so as to boost such progress.