I experienced as a child at the age of four or five when my father showed me a compass. That this needle behaved in such a determined way was all out of place concerning the manner of the events which could find a place in the unconscious vocabulary of concepts: I still remember today: that this experience has left a permanent impression with me.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A child's wonder at a compass sparked Einstein's lifelong curiosity.
- In plain terms
- Simple mysteries in childhood can drive a lifetime of inquiry.
- What can you take from it?
- Keep the childlike wonder that asks why.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What first sparked your curiosity?
- What wonder do you protect in others?
Another view
Not all childhood wonders lead to major discoveries.
More from Albert Einstein
I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.
Permalink to quote #194 Autobiographic writings, 1946; this needs a specific published source.
Permalink to quote #196 I love to travel, but hate to arrive.
Permalink to quote #193
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