A wonder of such nature I experienced as a child of 4 or 5 years, when my father showed me a compass.
In plain words
A compass needle amazed him as a small boy, and he never stopped wondering.
Where these words come from
- 92% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- From Einstein's own Autobiographical Notes (1949), recalling being shown a compass as a child - his own account of his first scientific wonder.
- Autobiographical Notes
- 1949 · Munich (childhood memory) · His own memoir reflecting on the origin of his scientific wonder
More from Albert Einstein
See allLife is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Albert EinsteinOnly a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.Albert EinsteinWeakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.Albert EinsteinLook deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.Albert EinsteinThe important thing is not to stop questioning.Albert EinsteinImagination is more important than knowledge.Albert Einstein
Albert EinsteinOnly a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.Albert EinsteinWeakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.Albert EinsteinLook deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.Albert EinsteinThe important thing is not to stop questioning.Albert EinsteinImagination is more important than knowledge.Albert EinsteinMore on curiosity
Truth is sought for its own sake.
Ibn al-HaythamWe especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry.
Maria MitchellWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
PlatoGive me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.
ArchimedesI don't study to know more, but to ignore less.
Sor Juana Inés de la CruzThere are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
William Shakespeare
Ibn al-HaythamWe especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry.Maria MitchellWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.PlatoGive me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.ArchimedesI don't study to know more, but to ignore less.Sor Juana Inés de la CruzThere are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.William Shakespeare