This is my first biography of one of the greatest scientists that ever lived, Albert Einstein. It revealed to me, not just the science in the man but
This is my first biography of one of the greatest scientists that ever lived, Albert Einstein. It revealed to me, not just the science in the man but also, the human being in him. I found his humility and rebelliousness both very endearing. His relentless dedication and passion to his work was inspirational and admirable.
This is a more or less scientific/intellectual book. If you're interested in knowing more about Einstein's personal life i.e., family, relationships, etc. then it will definitely disappoint you. It is meant to give the reader insight into the way in which he thought and developed his ground breaking theories. It does however reveal a personal side of him vis-à-vis his humility, political stances and also his somewhat tortured nature. The book also contains letters exchanged with his colleagues and contemporaries, some personal and some not.
The most interesting and nail biting portion of the book, for me, was the sequence of events, both scientific and political, that leads up to the Nagasaki and Hiroshima atomic explosions.
What made this book a not-so-enjoyable read was the fact that I was unable to fully understand the scientific explanations and concepts given of his theories such as the special theory of relativity, the general theory of relativity and so on (due to my current lack of expertise in the subject, don't get me wrong). Consequently I was unable to grasp their beauty as well. And that was the only reason I had to bring down my rating to three stars. Nevertheless I did enjoy the deep plunges into his character and nature, though relatively little, that this book provides.
So provided you've got a good hold on concepts in physics, you have atleast a liking, if not a passion, for physics and you're interested in getting to know Einstein a little better, then I would recommend this book. Unfortunately I only just got started with my degree in physics and that left me wishing that I had picked this book much later than I did....more
A lovely tale of real-life adventures of Roald Dahl during his time in the RAF. It is full of daring adventures and unexpected turns. It made me want A lovely tale of real-life adventures of Roald Dahl during his time in the RAF. It is full of daring adventures and unexpected turns. It made me want to fly a jet and shoot down the enemy, but I must say this book has also made me empathetic towards soldiers who fight in war for their nations.
'The Story of My Life' is Helen Keller's autobiography in which she opens up about her childhood;, her life; her struggles to overcome the darkness an'The Story of My Life' is Helen Keller's autobiography in which she opens up about her childhood;, her life; her struggles to overcome the darkness and silence that engulfs her; her family, friends and supporters who walked with her throughout the years and above all about how she triumphed over her disabilities.
"The most important day I remember in all my life is the one on which my teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, came to me. I am filled with wonder when I consider the immeasurable contrasts between the two lives which it connects. It was the third of March, 1887, three months before I was seven years old."
Helen Keller was born a healthy child but a mysterious fever that hit her when she was under 2 years of age left her both blind and deaf, and as a result also seized her ability to develop speech. The silence and darkness entrapped her and ,consequently, little Helen became increasingly aggressive and threw tantrums every now and then in an attempt to break out of the chains of disability. It was not until her teacher Miss Sullivan, like an angel, entered her life when she was just about 7 that Helen began to find peace within her self and slowly conquer her disability.
"Long before I learned to do a sum in arithmetic or describe the shape of the earth, Miss Sullivan had taught me to find beauty in the fragrant woods, in every blade of grass, and in the curves and dimples of my baby sister's hand."
'The Story of My Life' takes you through her amazing journey from the time she was born up to her final year in college. In it she also describes her encounters with a number of her "A-list" friends such as Alexander Graham Bell, Mark Twain and many more authors, actors, poets and philosophers whose friendship and kind support gave her genuine pleasure and joy.
"Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disenfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourse of my book friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness."
Finally, one of my favourite lines from the book, although there are too many of them to mention, is "One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."
I think it is this, her instinctive tendency to rebel and push out of any barrier or imprisonment, that took her to the heights that she had reached and what makes her a truly inspirational human being and woman to all, not just the deaf and/or blind....more
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