One of the greatest physicists of all time, Albert Einstein was known for developing the Theory of Relativity and the equation E = mc^2, which establishes the relationship between mass and energy. But his legacy goes far beyond that. The scientist also achieved worldwide fame with his reflections on religion, politics, education and, of course, Nazi Germany’s persecution of the Jews.

Despite this, the spotlight has never been his strong suit. So much so that, in 1953, Einstein revealed to his friend and one of his first biographers, Carl Seelig, the following sentence: “In the past, it never crossed my mind that my every casual comment would be captured and recorded. Otherwise, I would have withdrawn even more into myself.”

The fact is that, even without seeking constant recognition, your ideas and thoughts They have crossed generations and continue to motivate people around the world, becoming true lessons for different moments in life.

Below, check out 5 phrases by Albert Einstein for you to reflect on and be inspired this Tuesday!

1. Knowledge and imagination

“Imagination is more important than knowledge, because knowledge is limited, while imagination encompasses the entire world.”

The statement was made by Albert Einstein during an interview with George Sylvester Viereck, published in The Saturday Evening Post magazine, under the title “What Life Means to Einstein”.

2. Humanity’s greatest dangers

“Science brought this danger [as armas nucleares]but the real problem is in the minds and hearts of men. Let us not change the hearts of other men by mechanisms, but rather by changing our hearts and speaking bravely… When we have clarity of heart and mind… only then will we find the courage to overcome the fear that haunts the world.”

A famous reflection is an excerpt from the interview given by Albert Einstein to Michael Amrine, published under the title “The Real Problem Is in the Hearts of Men”na revista The New York Times Magazine.

3. Reflection on time

“The distinction between past, present and future is just a stubbornly persistent illusion.”

Excerpt taken from Einstein’s letter of condolence to the family of Swiss engineer Michele Besso, his best friend from college days.

4. Blind obedience

“I immediately hate anyone who is capable of marching in formation with pleasure to the sound of a band. They were born with a brain by mistake; their spinal cord was enough.”

The excerpt that expresses the physicist’s repudiation of blind obedience is an adaptation of the book “Como Vejo O Mundo”, Rio de Janeiro: Nova Fronteira, 1981.

5. Meaning of life and what really has value

“I have never considered pleasure and happiness as an end in themselves […] They are called good, beauty, truth. If I don’t identify with other sensibilities similar to mine and if I don’t tirelessly pursue this eternally inaccessible ideal in art and science, life loses all meaning for me. Now, humanity falls in love with derisory purposes whose name is wealth, glory, luxury. Ever since I was young, I despised them.”

Excerpt taken and adapted from the book “Como Vejo O Mundo”, Rio de Janeiro: Nova Fronteira, 1981.