Einstein as a Student

Late in life, when reflecting on his uncanny papers of 1905, Einstein liked to say, "Nobody expected me to lay golden eggs." A century later, nobody can expect to fully comprehend how he did it. Yet much is known about Einstein as a student, enabling us to trace his maverick path as a fledgling scientist. It was a rough path; even with his talent and dedication, help from others was crucial. If Einstein were reincarnated as a graduate student today, it seems unlikely that he would complete a Ph.D. His saga offers perspectives that should embolden current students and prod faculty to reform doctoral programs.

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