These are among my favorite observations by Albert Einstein (1879-1955), a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science.

* * *

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.

Curiosity is a delicate little plant that, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach.

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds

I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.

It is a miracle when curiosity survives formal education.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wrack and ruin without fail. It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty.

It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty.

The important thing is not to stop questioning.

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.

Play is the highest form of research.

Every year, I ask my students the same questions on their final examination. Why? Because each year the answers are different.

If you can’t explain your “great idea” to a six-year old child, you really don’t understand it.

* * *

To learn more about him and his work, please click here.