Einstein's Mistakes

Hans Ohanian

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Book Synopsis

"Einstein's Mistakes," written by Hans Ohanian, delves into the remarkable scientific career of Albert Einstein, focusing on the lesser-known errors made by the scientific genius. Through meticulous research and analysis, Ohanian explores the implications of Einstein's mistakes and the impact they had on his groundbreaking theories.

The book begins by examining Einstein's early work on Brownian motion. Ohanian exposes the errors in Einstein's calculations and demonstrates how his incorrect assumptions led to erroneous predictions. Despite this, these mistakes ultimately pushed Einstein forward and helped refine his understanding of the physics underlying Brownian motion.

Ohanian then moves on to discuss Einstein's misstep in formulating the cosmological constant and its role in his theory of general relativity. By elucidating the consequences of this error and how it created unnecessary complications in his equations, the author sheds light on Einstein's growth as a scientist and his willingness to reconsider his assumptions.

In the subsequent chapters, Ohanian delves into Einstein's rejection of quantum mechanics and his efforts to disprove the theory. He elucidates the reasoning behind Einstein's discomfort with the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and how his disagreement with it ultimately hindered his own advancement in the field.

Additionally, Ohanian explores Einstein's skepticism toward the existence of black holes, despite his contributions to the theory of general relativity. Through an analysis of Einstein's thought process and arguments against the concept, the author illuminates Einstein's struggle to accept the implications of his own scientific breakthroughs.

Throughout "Einstein's Mistakes," Ohanian presents a balanced narrative, offering a nuanced understanding of Einstein's intellectual journey. The book serves as a testament to the notion that even the greatest scientific minds are not infallible and points to the importance of embracing and learning from our mistakes.

Concise and thought-provoking, "Einstein's Mistakes" sheds light on the human side of scientific progress while paying homage to the genius and perseverance of Albert Einstein.

Explore More Books

See All
Liar's Poker
Inversions
A New History of Greek Mathematics
Viral Loop
Modern Times
The Age of Entitlement
Blankie
Clearing The Air
Women
The Blue Sweater
Wake Up: Why The World Has Gone Nuts
The Princeton Companion to Mathematics
The Obstacle Is the Way
On the Genealogy of Morals
Once a Warrior
The Outermost House
God Emperor of Dune
The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World
The Inmates Are Running the Asylum
The Fourth Turning is Here
Educated
Planetary
Not The End of the World
How Not To Be Wrong
Rick and Morty Book Three
Count Down
Setting The Table
Principles
Sam Walton
Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World
A Hall of Mirrors
Violence and Social Orders
The White Album
Switch
The History of the Future
Little, Big
Deep Simplicity
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
More Heat Than Light
A History of Western Technology
The Trial of Socrates
How to Dress an Egg
Working Backwards
Daring Greatly
Chapterhouse: Dune
Rise of the Machines
On Being Certain: Believing You Are Right When You're Not
Starting Strength
Maestro
The Ones We Have Been Waiting For
George's Marvellous Medicine
Chess Fundamentals
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Tap Dancing to Work
The Red Queen
1000 Ways to Make $1,000
The Emperor of All Maladies
Think Again
The Meaning of the 21st Century
Autobiography of a Spiritually Incorrect Mystic
More Human
Six Thinking Hats
Healing
Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers
Bitcoin
High
Adultery
Priceless
The Precipice
A Bold Return to Giving a Damn
A Magic Web
Carrying The Fire
Find Me Unafraid
Everything is Bullshit
From Galileo to Newton
Tipping Points
Lessons
Parasite Rex
Whiplash
Matter
The Dog Stars
Complexity
Plentiful Energy
The Dovekeepers
Guns, Sails, and Empires
Beyond The Blue
Falling into Grace
Into The Silence
The Moth Presents All These Wonders
Empires of Light
The Gift of Adversity
The Martian
Self Belief
Stone Age Economics
Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant
Sun Rises in the Evening
Tribe of Mentors
End of Illness
The Uninhabitable Earth
The Contrary Farmer