Albert Einstein is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in the history of science. His theory of Relativity, which he developed, is today considered one of the two main theories of physics, along with Quantum Mechanics. In addition, he is considered one of the founders of the field of quantum mechanics in a sense with his article on the photoelectric effect, and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for this work.
But for Einstein, who is such an important personality, it was not easy to get to this level. Partly due to external factors and partly for reasons of actually in the middle of the twenties where he could find it with the help of a friend keeps his job in the Patent Office control officer, a newly-wed wife, Mileva Maric-that in itself is a classmate - and was trying to support her kids. By the way, Maric was also a very good mathematician and physicist, and he contributed to the family budget by giving private lessons in this field.
Civil Service Era
At the time, it seemed that young Albert's life would continue as an officer. After he gave his doctorate, he applied for the academic staff, but his teachers refused without thinking. Because Einstein has a character who is introverted as a character, does not like to make presentations and even discuss physics with his teachers. Herman Minkowski, another important scientist, one of his doctoral teachers, said:
"None of us thought he'd get to this level, he'd pretend he had nothing to do with anything in the classroom."
During this period, Einstein's interest in physics consisted of chatting with friends from the patent office, as well as physicists such as Rudolf Ladenburg, who came to visit Switzerland from Germany, and thinking long and hard about the issues in his head(especially those related to light) in his free time at the patent office. At this point, his friendship with young physicists at the Olympian Academy would change his life.
Miracle Year
In 1905, Young Einstein was now 25 years old. He had been preparing articles on topics he had been working on for some time. Meanwhile, he corresponded with the scientist Conrad Habicht, whom he knew from Bern. Albert, with the courage he received from his correspondence with him, writes articles that will make that year called the Latin Annus Mirabilis (The Miracle year) and sends them to the famous magazine Annalen Der Pyshik. These four articles will be a turning point not only for Einstein, but for all of humanity.
Planck Enters Einstein's Life!
Although Einstein rejoiced like a child when his articles were published in 1905, this joy was short-lived. Because his writings do not receive significant attention from the scientific community. His personality, which was easily demoralized as a character, captured him again. By the way, his marriage is starting to crack. At this point, the person who will be his greatest mentor enters his life through a letter.
Max Planck is 21 years older than Einstein. He is a well-known scientist in Germany and in the entire scientific community. Besides, his greatest pleasure is to find young and unheard-of scientist candidates and make them part of the Academy. He recognized the importance of Einstein's articles before anyone else, and immediately wrapped it in the pen. The duo exchange letters for a while. In his letter dated July 6, 1907, Planck writes:
"In response to something you said in one of your last letters, I'm thinking of coming to the Bernese Oberland next year. To be honest, this plan is a long way off, but I'm already happy to think that maybe then I'll have the pleasure of meeting you and becoming your friend."
Planck came to Switzerland in 1909, if not 1908, and met Einstein personally. This friendship, despite the age difference, will soon develop and help Einstein write his General Theory of Relativity.
In the meantime, Planck acts as an older brother to Einstein, who is still not accepted into the academy, and his marriage is getting worse. He repeatedly goes to Switzerland by train. He shares with her his views on both physics and life. On the one hand, he uses his force to make attempts to become part of the Academy.
Albert Einstein finally made the transition to teaching, first in Switzerland, in 1907. In 1911 he received his professorship in Prague. In the process, Planck is always on his side. They write all the time. After a while, Planck will open another page in the life of Einstein, who has returned to Switzerland again.
Ticket To Germany
In 914, Einstein is now a well-known and recognized scientist. Again, thanks to Planck, he begins working at the Keiser Wilhelm Institute in Germany. In 1915, he published the final version of his famous theory. This article will make him a living legend.
In 1919, Einstein's marriage was almost over. Planck will try very hard to make sure it doesn't end. As a physicist and a highly intelligent woman, Mileva earned the respect of Max Planck. But Einstein is not exactly the type to listen. He has already been in a cordial relationship with his cousin for some time.
Political divisions and a broken friendship
The friendship between Einstein and Planck would continue, one way or another, until Planck died in 1947. But this friendship has been quite battered and broken in the process, even at the point of rupture due to the tense political atmosphere.
The Separation begins when Einstein emigrates to the United States: since Planck prefers to remain in Germany, they break somewhat to each other at this stage. In fact, Einstein and Planck are quite opposite to each other, except for physics: their scientific styles, social lives, political views, and attitudes about religion are completely different. 1. During World War II, Einstein advocated pacifism; Planck was among the signatories of a document called the manifesto of 93 intellectuals defending Germany's invasion of Belgium. The Weimar Republic also failed to distinguish the two: Einstein defended this republic, while Planck opposed it.
One point the duo agree on is their opinion that the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum physics is flawed. In addition, the two have always treated each other with respect; Planck, for example, has always tried to protect him from anti-Semitic criticism directed at Einstein.
It was Nazi Germany that completely severed the two from each other: Planck, who was secretary of the Berlin Academy, had to demand Einstein's resignation from this academy in front of other physicists. Einstein was living in California at this point, and Planck accused Einstein's criticism of the New Germany of hypocrisy, based on the safe environment provided by the United States. Although Einstein never compromised his gentlemanly nature, he never forgave his old friend's attitude.