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| Quick Thinking & Excellent Presence of Mind |
Albert Einstein is one of the most famous men in history for his many path-breaking scientific theories. One of his most publicised scientific works is the Theory of Relativity that is world famous and will be probably remembered for a long time to come. In fact, stripped of its equations, the concept can be understood even by laypersons. Einstein was asked to explain his abstruse theory many times. In that context, there is a famous quotation and anecdote attributed to him which was comically illustrated in the New York Times in March 1929 involving a hot stove and a pretty girl.
It is believed that the anecdote originated when his secretary who was a girl, wanted to know what Relativity really meant as she was frequently bothered by inquisitive interviewers. He explained it thus - "When you sit with a nice girl for two hours you think it’s only a minute, but when you sit on a hot stove for a minute you think it’s two hours. That’s relativity.”
Anyway, here is another anecdote relating to Einstein which is not factually validated but without doubt interesting.
When Einstein's Theory of Relativity broke many scientific frontiers, he was invited frequently to give presentations of his theory. For all his presentations and work, he always went by a car accompanied by a driver. During his scientific presentations, Einstein's driver used to be seated in the last row listening to him.
One day, while Einstein was on his way to a presentation, his driver remarked, "Sir, I have heard your Theory of Relativity so often presented by you in simple terms that I feel even I can give a presentation on it. In fact, I remember every word that you say to present your theory." Hearing this, Einstein was not annoyed - instead, he took it as a compliment on his presentation skills and his ability to make even laypersons understand it so well. He was quite happy that even his driver understood his theory though he did not have any practical knowledge of Science.
Apparently, during those days, media was not a booming industry and people were not very familiar with Einstein's looks. Keeping this in mind, Einstein told his driver, "For next presentation, I would like you to present the theory." His driver was excited and agreed. When both of them reached the venue of the presentation, they changed their clothes with the driver as a scientist and Einstein himself dressed in the garb of a driver. Then they went inside the hall.
As agreed, the driver went on the stage and began the presentation. His presentation went so well that no one even doubted him. Then came the questions and answers round before the presentation closed. The driver sailed through most of the questions in the round as he had heard Einstein answering those questions in the earlier presentations.
However, there was one question towards the end of the session that the driver was unable to answer. He was stuck and in a dilemma. However, he realised that if he did not do something, then it would leave a poor impression on people if they got to know that it was Einstein's driver who had given the presentation.
So he thought a while and responded quickly on his feet. He said, "Your question is quite easy - even my driver can answer it. He is sitting in the last row. You can clarify it with him." Einstein was both stunned and amazed at his quick thinking but took the question and answered it without any problem.
➤ Life Lesson: The anecdote may be fiction. However, it proves the value of quick thinking and an excellent presence of mind that can get you out of difficult circumstances.
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