How to Read This Issue

Albert Einstein’s theories play no role in your everyday life, right? To prove otherwise, we suggest you begin this issue by reading Walter Isaacson’s essay on why Einstein was––and is–– so important to us. Isaacson makes a convincing case that our frame of reference in the universe has been clearly influenced by this genius’s work. Einstein pervades.

To be fully grounded in why this is so, you need a basic understanding of Einstein’s theories, which, we admit, always seem a bit elusive to nonphysicists. So we’re offering a remarkable infographics primer by renowned physicist and author Michio Kaku and designer extraordinaire Nigel Holmes.

While your head is spinning with theory, we suggest you turn to Brad Lemley’s delightful profile of the complicated man behind the ideas, followed by David Bodanis’s article on how to find Einstein in the world around you. Once you’re consumed by the majesty of Einstein’s work and life, you’ll find physicist Lee Smolin’s personal reflections on why there are so few followers of Einstein to be a revelation.

Next, we suggest you ponder Thomas Levenson’s essay on the nature of Einstein’s genius. Then pause to consider Karen Wright’s catalog of the master’s mistakes before embarking on Robert Kunzig’s tour of mind-boggling experiments currently in the works that may expose cracks in some of the fundamental tenets of Einstein’s theories.

At this point, we invite you to step back in time and linger over Tim Folger’s insightful article about the last 30 years of Einstein’s life and his futile attempt to find a theory that would unify his work with quantum mechanics. Then join cosmologist Michael S. Turner as he looks to the future and contemplates six profound questions left unanswered by Einstein. For the icing on this intellectual cake, dig into the commentary offered by 13 notable minds around the world on what they love and hate about our favorite genius.

Keep two more things in mind as you explore these pages. First, we put this issue together with the hope that it will become a valuable addition to your permanent library. Second, go back and study Art Spiegelman’s cover illustration. This was a labor of love and passion, and we would argue that the mix of melancholy, warmth, determination, and thoughtfulness Spiegelman has woven into his portrait make it a true work of art. Every time you look at it, we hope you’ll find something new. Enjoy.