Lee Smolin looks at the Einstein Myth

I haven't tried to read Walter Isaacson's new biography of Einstein because I found his biography of Benjamin Franklin insufferably boring. So I consider myself still on the search for a good biography of the most imp0rtant physicist of the 20th century.

Meanwhile, I can highly recommend physicist's Lee Smolin's essay, The Other Einstein, which appeared in the June 14th issue of the New York Times Review of Books. Thankfully, the entire essay is available free on-line.

The most interesting part of the article is its consideration of how some of Einstein's objections to quantum mechanics may have even more relevance today than when he was alive. If you have any interest in the conflict between relativity theory and quantum mechanics you will want to read this essay.

Comments

[Frank]

Hi Ginger,
Thank you for this link, it was a most interesting read.
Thanks,
Frank

[docartemis]

I wish I had more time post more information like this. Thanks for the feedback.

[Jimbo]

Au Contraire, Madame Docteur.....
I have read many Einstein biographies, and am just getting into Walter's & it is EXCELLENT so far.
Indeed, Ben Franklin IS BORING; AE/WI are not.
Perhaps you are turned off by THICK books (PDR not withstanding) ?
May I suggest the best short bio: `Creator & Rebel', by Banesh Hoffmann, Einstein's friend & scientific colleague. It is extraordinarily human & readable.

[docartemis]

Jimbo,

Thanks for the feedback. Perhaps I should give Isaason another chance!

No, I don't have a problem with long books. I enjoyed "His Excellency" (a long Washington biography) by Joseph Ellis.