130 years ago today: March 14, 1879, Birth of Albert Einstein - Emblem of Reason, Icon of Wisdom

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When Einstein was born, his mother worried that his head was too large and his grandmother exclaimed that he was "much too fat." A few years later, when Einstein was four or five, he had his first scientific experience: his father showed him a pocket compass and the young boy marveled at the fact that regardless of where the compass was turned, the needle always pointed north. The needle's invariable northward swing, guided by an invisible force, profoundly impressed the child. The compass convinced him that there had to be "something behind things, something deeply hidden."

Einstein's formal education began at age six, when he enrolled in the Petersschule on Blumen- strasse, a Catholic elementary school in Munich. Since his parents were not practicing Jews, they cared more about the school's academic standards than its religious affiliation. Einstein did well in school, but he was a quiet child and kept his distance from his peers. He was uncomfortable with the principle of absolute obedience and the military drills that dominated the school's atmosphere.

Even as a small boy Albert Einstein was self-sufficient and thoughtful, and demonstrated an interest in science and problem-solving even before he entered school. According to family legend he was a slow talker, pausing to consider what he would say. His sister remembered the concentration and perseverance with which the young Einstein preferred to build houses of cards and play with his sister at home.

At the age of ten, Einstein was accepted into the Luitpold Gymnasium in Munich, a formal and respected institution that emphasized Latin and Greek over mathematics and science. Unhappy with the educational program at school, Einstein turned to a course of personal study outside of school. His Uncle Jakob lent him a book of algebra and sent him math puzzles to solve. In addition, a friend of Einstein's family, lent him books on popular science and philosophy that the young boy eagerly devoured.

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Photos courtesy of Ernst Haas / Getty and Hulton Archive / Getty

Original Source: SparkNotes and About.com