Albert Einstein’s Daily Study Routine
Here’s how the world famous genius spent his days
Albert Einstein was truly a genius in making. Modern approach to the fundamental concepts in physics is possible today, thanks to his contributions before which classical, Newtonian perspective was prevalent in Physics community. Many of his theoretical findings are now being tested experimentally due to advancing technology and have been found to be true such as gravitational waves, which only shows how much ahead of his time this brilliant persona really was. He was a man of discipline and a steady daily routine which kept him occupied throughout the day. A brief look through his schedule might shed some perspective on his extraordinary intellect.
While studying, Einstein followed Pomodoro technique. The basic idea behind this technique is that rather than studying for hours, it is better to study in intervals and take a short break in between them. This way, we could again focus at the task in hand with a fresh perspective every single time. Also the focus on minimal projects provided him with clarity on the topic of discussion. Rather than focusing on multiple researches at a time, only focusing on the pressing matters allowed him to devote large amount of time and accomplish the goal.
He applied this technique when he was at the brink of failure and when he was taken over by anxiety. In 1915, he was working on the mathematical equations for his new concepts of gravity. As it turned out that the equations were flawed. Disappointment shrouded his face but this wasn’t the end of it. Another colleague was also attempting to present the equations that described the fundaments of gravity. Einstein had to see this work through and for months, he did nothing but work on this concept in total isolation.
Einstein adopted the minimalist lifestyle. The money he won from the Nobel Prize, he gave it to his wife. In most of the photos you could find of him, he is seen without socks or suspenders. When he had to meet his colleagues in a conference, most would emerge out of a luxury car but not him. He could be seen travelling at a third-class train car. The only luxury he indulged and without which he couldn’t live were his musical instruments, cigars and coffee. This approach helped him stay consistent in his works devoid of any distraction and also helped him commune with people like a real person rather than a famous established scientist.
His daily routine was something in itself.
Between 9 and 10 AM – He usually finished his breakfast along with reading daily newspaper.
Between 10 and 10:30 AM – He would leave for Princeton for his lectures. When the weather was, he would rather prefer walking there.
Up until 1 PM, he worked in his office. The he usually returned home for lunch and a nap (He slept 10 hours a day along with side naps here and there).
The afternoon, he usually spent at his home, dealing with the visitors. He had his supper around 6:30 PM and worked on papers if there were due any. Then he went to sleep.
His daily routine looks like that of any university professor. But having keen focus on pressing matters at hand and staying consistent with what’s important is where he stands out among the others and what makes him a true genius. Besides, One could only attempt to fathom the personality of this cerebral intellectual.
Contributed by Rishab Karki and curated by the author.
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