English

Chapter: Albert Einstein at school


1. What do you understand of Einstein's nature from his conversations with his history teacher, his mathematics teacher and the head teacher ? 

Ans. Einstein was a boy who believed in standing up for his beliefs . It is evident from the way he portrayed his views in front of his History teacher. He is someone who puts his energy in understanding logic rather than facts. His conversation with his Maths teacher tells us how passionate he is about the subject. The teacher's remark that Albert will be ready to teach me shows that Einstein is hard working. This show that Einstein had potential. He was different from other students of his age. The head teacher and Einstein never agreed on anything. He asked Einstein to leave the school. Though he felt a bit insulted, he didn't say anything bad to him. This shows that he respected his elders and was polite. 


2. The school system often curbs individual talents . Discuss .

Ans. Albert Einstein's miserable five years in school show the system of education prevailing then and existing even now. The system of education has no room for individual aspirations, brilliance and aptitude. It discourages genius and encourages mechanical dullards. No wonder then that most of the students manage to pass the exams by cramming. This may help them to get the degree, but it fails to enrich the mind. Brilliant students like Einstein are considered unfit whose very presence makes it impossible for teachers to teach and other pupils to learn. Einstein said, " Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid.

3. How do you distinguish between information gathering and insight formation ? 

Ans. Information gathering and insight formation are two very different concepts. " Information gathering " is concerned with compilation of facts and figures. It is just retaining already existing information which can easily be refered to through books. It does not add anything to the personality of an individual e.g. history dates." Insight formation "on the other hand is concerned with the cause . It persuades an individual to think . It teaches them logic . It improves the personality of an individual as it helps in shaping minds .

4. How did Albert feel about going to school everyday ?

Ans. Albert did not like going to school everyday and he thought that the teaching methods applied were not effective . He would get into a clash with teaches which would lead him to get punished . 

5. Why did the History teacher dislike Einstein ? 

Ans. The History teacher never liked Einstein because Einstein said that there was no point in learning dates . Mr. Braun , his teacher , called him a disgrace and asked him to leave school at once.

6. Who was Mr. Koch ? What did he think about Einstein ?

Ans. Mr. Koch was Einstein's Maths teacher at the Munich School . He had a very high opinion about the boy's brilliance . He gave a glowing letter of reference to Einstein that he was good enough to study higher Maths. 

7. What were the hobbies of Albert Einstein ?  

Ans. Albert Einstein had two hobbies. He loved reading books on science and enjoyed playing his violin.