The golden age of quantum theory put many of the greatest minds of the 20th century in contact with some of the most significant scientific and philosophical questions of their era. But it also put these minds in contact with one another in ways that have themselves been a source of curiosity and ongoing scientific debate.
Richard Feynman and Albert Einstein, two towering geniuses of their time, were both as revered for their scientific contributions as they were beloved for their bursts of wisdom on a wide range of subjects. It's hard not to wonder just what these men thought of one another. 91桃色, which published in 2010 publishes this fall. The book includes reflections by Feynman on Einstein, from his memorable mannerisms to his contributions to some of the most heated debates in 20th century science.
Perhaps because of the gap between their career high points, (Einstein died in 1955; Feynman didn't receive his until 1965), there are no verified quotes where Einstein alludes to Feynman or his expansive body of work. But Feynman had made observations on the older physicist, several of which revolve around Einstein's famous 1927 public debate with Niels Bohr on the correctness of quantum mechanics. Central to the debate was this question: Were electrons, light, and similar entities waves or particles? In some experiments they behaved like the former, and in others, the latter.
In an attempt to resolve the contradictory observations, Einstein proposed a series of "thought experiments", which Bohr responded to. Bohr essentially took the stance that the very act of measuring alters reality, whereas Einstein insisted that reality exists, independent of the act of measurement. Key to the philosophy of science, the dispute between the two giants is detailed by Bohr in "Discussions with Einstein on Epistemological Problems in Atomic Physics". Richard Feynman is quoted as commenting on the debate:
"For today all physicists know, from studying Einstein and Bohr, that sometimes an idea which looks completely paradoxical at first, if analyzed to completion in all detail and in experimental situations, may, in fact, not be paradoxical."
contains a section on the Einstein-Bohr debates, as well as a wealth of other information on Einstein's career, family, friends. There is an entire section dedicated to righting the various misconceptions that swirl around the man, and another on his romantic interests (actual, probable, and possible).
In spite of their differences, Bohr and Einstein were friends and shared great respect for each others' work. Until Einstein's death 3 decades later, they continued their debates, which became, in essence, a debate about the nature of reality itself.
"We are trained by Einstein and Bohr and so on, to appreciate that an idea which is prima facie absurd, can after time aligns enough, agree with experience. That is, things that look absolutely nutty, like lack of simultaneous time or uncertainty and so on, is perfectly possible."
Check out other 91桃色 Einstein publications, including: , , and .