Two geniuses

Many people consider Albert Einstein (1879-1955) a genius. This story about him shows that he also had a sense of humour.

Einstein often received invitations to explain his theories at different universities. On these trips, his driver Hans often said to him, “It’s a pleasure to drive a genius like you, Dr Einstein.”

One evening, on their way to a university, Einstein said, “I’m so tired. I wish I could avoid giving my lecture tonight, Hans, but I don’t want to let my audience down.”

“I know what to do, ” said Hans. “I can give the lecture for you. You can trust me. I’ve listened to your lecture so many times that I’ve learnt it by heart. No one knows you at this university, so they won’t find out.”

So, they changed places. At the university, Hans was guided to the front of the hall. Einstein took a seat, listened to Hans give his lecture without difficulty, and joined in the applause at the end.

However, before Hans left, a man shouted, “I’d like to ask you a question. ” He then asked a question so difficult that Hans had no idea what he was talking about.

Einstein turned pale. “Oh no!” he thought. “Now we’re in trouble. ” But Hans just laughed and said, “That’s such an easy question that even my driver can answer it. Hans, please ......”

Einstein stood up and answered the question perfectly.

They left the university, with Einstein driving. A little later, Hans offered to drive. “No, ” laughed Einstein. “It’s a pleasure to drive a genius like you, Hans.”

 

Einstein and the little girl

One afternoon, Einstein was walking home from work. At the same time, a 12-year-old girl was walking home from school. They were soon walking side by side. The girl looked at him curiously from time to time.

“Pardon me,” the girl said, “but you look just like Albert Einstein.”

“That’s because I am Albert Einstein!” Einstein said.

“I don’t believe you,” the girl said. “Everyone knows that Einstein is a genius. But you’re wearing your sweater backwards, so you can’t be very clever.”

Einstein began to laugh. “You’re the first person to be so honest with me,” he said to the girl. “It’s a pleasure to hear someone tell me the truth about my look.”

After that day, the girl often went to visit Einstein’s house after school. One afternoon, the girl’s mother went to visit Einstein. She asked him why he spent so much time with her daughter.

“Our friendship is easy to explain,” Einstein said. “You daughter tells me about my look and brings me cookies. In return, I help her with her Maths homework.”

 

Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton was an English physicist, mathematician and astronomer. He discovered the law of gravity.

In 1687, Newton published one of the most important books in the history of science. In the book, Newton described many laws that show how the universe works.

Albert Einstein kept a picture of Newton on the wall of his study.