B1/B2 Learn English Through Stories Albert Einstein

00:00 Introduction: Learn English Through Stories Albert Einstein

Imagine a world without GPS, where we are constantly lost, unable to pinpoint our exact location on Earth. A world without nuclear power, where energy sources are limited, leaving us perpetually searching for new ways to power our lives. A world where the universe holds countless mysteries, including the enigmatic forces of black holes.

Beyond our comprehension, this was the world before him, a man who was brave enough to question everything. He was a visionary who challenged the very foundations of physics. He wasn't just a scientist, he was a revolutionary who dared to look beyond the accepted truths of his time. This story will journey through the life and mind of this extraordinary individual, exploring his groundbreaking theories, his personal struggles, and his enduring legacy.

We'll discover how a curious child, captivated by the mysteries of the world, grew into one of the greatest minds in human history. The man who changed the universe.

01:12 Chapter 1: The Unconventional Student In the late 19th century, Germany was experiencing rapid industrial growth. Factories were springing up everywhere, and inventors were constantly striving to create new and amazing machines.

In this dynamic era, a curious baby boy named Albert was born in Ulm, a bustling town in southern Germany. Ulm, at that time, was a thriving center of industry, known for its textile mills and engineering workshops. The air was filled with the constant hum of machinery, and the streets were always bustling with activity.

This energetic atmosphere likely sparked young Albert's inherent curiosity about how things worked. His family soon moved to Munich, a larger and more cosmopolitan city. Munich, with its impressive architecture and vibrant cultural scene, offered a stark contrast to the more industrial character of Ulm.

However, Albert found the rigid structure of the German school system in Munich to be quite stifling. He found the rote learning and strict discipline to be a real obstacle. His independent thinking and inquisitive nature often clashed with his teacher's. Who perceived him as a disruptive influence.

School, for Albert, became a source of frustration, rather than a place where he could truly learn and grow. Despite his struggles within the formal school system, Albert's thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. He devoted countless hours to exploring his own interests, devouring books on science and mathematics.

He frequently tinkered with simple machines, attempting to understand how they operated. In his own way, Albert was educating himself, exploring the world of ideas and discovering the joy of independent learning.

03:11 Chapter 2: A New Beginning in Switzerland At the age of 15, Albert faced a difficult decision.

He was expected to serve in the German army, but the rigid military life did not appeal to his independent spirit. He yearned for freedom, for the chance to pursue his own intellectual path. So, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, he made a bold choice. He left Germany and moved to Switzerland.

Switzerland, with its breathtaking scenery, snow capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and charming villages, offered a stark contrast to the industrial landscape of Germany. Albert, a young man with a thirst for knowledge and a yearning for intellectual freedom, was drawn to this beautiful and independent country.

He hoped to find a more open and supportive environment for his studies. In Switzerland, Albert enrolled in the prestigious Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich. The school, located in a bustling city with a vibrant atmosphere, was renowned for its rigorous academic programs. Albert, however, found the coursework challenging.

He struggled with some subjects, particularly Greek, but excelled in mathematics and physics. Switzerland proved to be a turning point for Albert. He embraced the freedom and intellectual stimulation of his new environment, forging his own path and laying the foundation for the groundbreaking scientific discoveries that would shape the twentieth century.

04:52 Chapter 3: From Clerk to Revolutionary After university, Albert had trouble finding a job in academics. His unique ideas clashed with the strict academic system. So, he accepted a job as a technical expert at the Swiss patent office in Bern. Bern, a charming city in the Swiss Alps, became the backdrop for Albert's work.

He examined patent applications, a task that might seem boring but gave him a unique view of science in real life. More importantly, it gave him time to think independently, free from academic pressures. Albert dove into his own intellectual pursuits. He discussed ideas with friends in the Olympia Academy, debating philosophy and science.

This sparked his creativity. In 1905, his miracle year, Albert published four groundbreaking papers. He explained the photoelectric effect, proving the existence of photons, which earned him the Nobel Prize. He confirmed the atomic theory with Brownian motion, and introduced the special theory of relativity.

Changing physics forever with the famous equation E equals MC squared. Albert Einstein became a scientific revolutionary. Don't forget to subscribe to Speak Business English. Confidently for more engaging listening exercises. And don't miss the PDF download in the description below with the full video transcript, a lesson on passive voice and relative clauses, and a list of key vocabulary used in the video.

06:37 Chapter 4: Exile and the Shadow of War Albert Einstein's life changed dramatically with the rise of Nazism in Germany. As the political situation worsened for Jewish intellectuals, Einstein, who spoke out against the Nazis, faced increasing isolation and danger. In 1933, the Nazis took power, targeting Jewish scientists and intellectuals.

While Einstein was on vacation in the United States, he learned that the Nazis had declared him a public enemy. His home was searched, his bank accounts frozen, and his books were burned. Seeing the grave threat, Einstein decided to stay in the United States. He accepted a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, a famous place for brilliant minds.

Princeton, with its calm and focus on pure research, Provided a refuge from the chaos in Europe. However, the threat of war was still present. In 1939, Einstein and his colleague Leo Szilard wrote a letter to President Roosevelt, warning about Nazi Germany's potential to develop nuclear weapons. This letter led the United States to start its own nuclear research program.

Although Einstein did not directly work on the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb, his letter played a crucial role in starting it. He later regretted his involvement, troubled by the power of the weapons he had helped inspire. After the war, Einstein advocated for peace and international cooperation.

He supported the idea of a world government. to prevent future wars and promote disarmament. Einstein continued his scientific research, focusing on a unified field theory, which aimed to explain all fundamental forces of nature. Though he did not fully achieve this goal, his efforts inspired many physicists.

Even in his later years, Einstein remained active and engaged with social and political issues. Advocating for peace, human rights, and social justice. He passed away peacefully on April 18th, 1955, but his legacy lives on. His revolutionary theories continue to shape our understanding of the universe and inspire future generations.

09:11 Chapter 5: Beyond the Equations The Man Behind the Genius Albert Einstein, the famous physicist, was not just a brilliant mind. He was also a complex person with a rich personal life. Full of triumphs and challenges. In 1903, Einstein married Mileva Maric, a fellow physics student. They had two sons, Hans Albert and Eduard, and a daughter, Lieserl, whose fate is unknown.

Their marriage faced many pressures, and they divorced in 1919. Later, Einstein married his cousin, Elsa Lowenthal. Elsa supported and cared for him, helping him manage his fame and focus on his research. Einstein was more than a scientist. He had a playful sense of humor, loved music, and was a skilled violinist.

He enjoyed playing music to relax. He was also deeply interested in philosophy, politics, and social issues. He opposed war, and advocated for peace and social justice, championing the rights of minorities and marginalized groups. Einstein's life shows the importance of independent thought and using knowledge for the betterment of humanity.

He was a man of deep passions and profound convictions.