While reading the beginning of Einstein: His Life and Universe, I often thought of the similarities that were present between Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, and Benjamin Franklin. During Albert Einstein’s childhood, he showed characteristics that would continue to be present throughout his life. Einstein was continuously rebellious, and he often would say that he did not like the way that schools were taught. This reminded me of Charles Darwin and how he did not like to learn in a classroom. Darwin preferred to learn outside and hands-on. Throughout the reading Einstein says that he does not like the way that he was forced to learn in school and to me this reflects what Darwin was like as well. Einstein thought that we should nurture children’s “inner dignity” and individuality. I agree with this as well. Not every child has the ability, or likes, to learn in a classroom setting and in the way that teaching is done. I think that teachers should encourage a child’s individuality, as Einstein put it. If we want students to do well, we have to let them enjoy what they are doing and what they are learning, otherwise these children will not be interested in school. I believe one of the best ways to help with this learning is to learn as Darwin did, and do things hands-on. It allows people to interact with what they are learning about, and it allows them to see first-hand what is really going on — this can really help students, especially if they are visual learners, like Einstein.
Later in his life, Albert Einstein started the Olympia Academy; this immediately made me think of Benjamin Franklin’s group, the Junto. The Olympia Academy would read scientific books, that related back to philosophy, and then they would get together and discuss what they read. They would also discuss scientific problems and experiments that they were doing at the time. This was just like Franklin’s group the Junto. In the Junto, they read books and then they would discuss and have arguments about what they were reading. I found this to be interesting that two of these scientists, that we have read about, have been a part of discussion groups, that allowed them to get together with others and share common passions.
Later in his life, Albert Einstein started the Olympia Academy; this immediately made me think of Benjamin Franklin’s group, the Junto. The Olympia Academy would read scientific books, that related back to philosophy, and then they would get together and discuss what they read. They would also discuss scientific problems and experiments that they were doing at the time. This was just like Franklin’s group the Junto. In the Junto, they read books and then they would discuss and have arguments about what they were reading. I found this to be interesting that two of these scientists, that we have read about, have been a part of discussion groups, that allowed them to get together with others and share common passions.