Albert Einstein

Born in Germany in 1879, Albert Einstein became one of the most influential thinkers of the modern age. He developed the special and general theories of relativity, and his work helped transform physics in the early 20th century.

He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, a key step in the development of quantum theory. After leaving Europe in the 1930s, he settled in the United States and worked at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Beyond his scientific achievements, he became a widely recognized public voice on peace, freedom, and moral responsibility. His books, essays, and lectures continue to attract readers because they combine big ideas with a deeply human curiosity about how the world works.