On 18 April 1955, Albert Einstein, one of the most influential scientific minds in human history, died at the age of 76 in Princeton, New Jersey. His death marked the end of a life that not only revolutionised our understanding of the universe, but also symbolised the power of curiosity, imagination, and reason.
A life of genius
Born on 14 March 1879 in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Württemberg (then part of the German Empire), Albert Einstein displayed signs of brilliance from an early age. He was raised in a secular Jewish family and, although initially slow to speak, he showed a deep fascination with mathematics and physics.
Einstein studied at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, and after a series of modest academic posts, he was working at the Swiss Patent Office in Bern when he began developing the ideas that would transform modern science.
The theory of relativity and scientific revolution
In 1905, known as his “Annus Mirabilis” (Miracle Year), Einstein published four groundbreaking papers, one of which introduced the Special Theory of Relativity. It included the now-famous equation:
E = mc²
This theory fundamentally altered the way scientists viewed space, time, and energy. Ten years later, in 1915, he presented the General Theory of Relativity, which described gravity not as a force, but as the warping of spacetime by mass and energy. This theory predicted phenomena such as the bending of light by gravity—confirmed in 1919 during a solar eclipse, catapulting Einstein to international fame.
Einstein’s ideas challenged the Newtonian mechanics that had dominated physics for centuries and laid the groundwork for much of modern astrophysics and cosmology.
Reception and later life
While Einstein’s theories were initially met with scepticism, particularly within more conservative scientific communities, they were gradually accepted as experiments continued to confirm his predictions. Over time, he became a symbol not just of scientific genius but of intellectual courage.
In 1921, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics—not for relativity, but for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, which helped establish quantum theory.
A vocal pacifist and humanist, Einstein fled Nazi Germany in 1933, emigrating to the United States where he took up a position at Princeton University. He later became an American citizen. Deeply concerned about the rise of fascism and later the threat of nuclear weapons, Einstein lent his voice to global peace movements and warned of the moral responsibilities of scientists.
Legacy and significance
Einstein’s influence extended far beyond physics. His work laid the foundation for technologies such as GPS, nuclear energy, and space exploration. His theories continue to shape our understanding of black holes, time dilation, the Big Bang, and the expanding universe.
Culturally, Einstein became an icon—the very image of a genius. His wild hair, thoughtful expression, and witty remarks entered popular imagination. But perhaps his greatest legacy is not just his scientific achievement, but his belief in the power of wonder and the pursuit of knowledge for the good of humanity.
Final moments
Einstein died of an abdominal aortic aneurysm at Princeton Hospital. He refused surgery, reportedly saying, “I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially.” True to his lifelong values, he donated his brain for scientific study—though this sparked ethical debates that continue to this day.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Buchenwald concentration camp is liberated (1945)
Featured photo source: Getty images
