Ten Ways

I have compiled a list of ten ways to think like Albert Einstein. The first way is simply just to walk around in a nature and think. For Einstein, this meant exploring the Southern Alps in Italy, as a teenager. He once trekked 50 miles south to the Mediterranean city of Genoa, where he would sit and watch the light stream through the trees. He later reflected that those moments were some of the wildest, craziest, and happiest times of his life. He said, “The happy months of my stay in Italy are my most beautiful memories.”

The second way is to wear the same clothes every day—a uniform that minimizes human scale distraction. By focusing on other things, your projects, you can clear your mind of the clutter that clothing choices can bring. As I delved deeper into my research, I found eight additional strategies that seemed beneficial to Einstein’s unique thought process.

Number three emphasizes the importance of embracing curiosity. Einstein cultivated a childlike wonder about the world around him. He urged us to ask questions, explore, and never stop learning. Number four is to space out often, frequent daydreaming and visualization. Einstein was known for his ability to let his mind wander and explore new ideas without constraints and just sit there for a long time and space out. People around him were always like, “Einstein, pay attention! !!” and his food would catch fire on the stove. But he was more of an academic research paper writer than a lecturing instructor at Princeton, and he was paid to think, and focus on whatever he wanted to focus on, which was appropriate as a research professor.

Anyway, number five is about simplifying complex concepts. Einstein had a remarkable talent for breaking down intricate ideas into smaller, more manageable parts. The sixth point is to maintain a sense of humor. Einstein had a playful spirit and didn’t take himself too seriously, so it’s important to learn to laugh at yourself and appreciate the peculiar beauty of life.

Number seven emphasizes the value of creativity. Einstein believed imagination was crucial; nurturing your creativity and embracing unconventional thoughts is vital. Number eight is about questioning everything. He wasn’t afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, urging us to think outside the box.

The ninth point highlights the importance of making mistakes. Einstein faced numerous failures but never allowed them to deter him. Instead, he embraced failure as a learning opportunity and continued to persevere. Finally, the tenth way is to find a girlfriend who is way better at math than you are.

Of course, there are many more than just ten ways to think like Einstein. An additional principle is to focus on something, practice hard, and truly excel at it.

I have this list of ten ways to think like Einstein taped up on my walls. This morning, I affixed it alongside a list of my rules.  Anyway, obviously, humans are meant to move around and breathe fresh clean air.  MCS people should be out in the wilderness as much as possible anyway. Anyway, that’s all I am trying to say. 

The Science of Thought and the Role of the Environment
Clark, Andy. Being There: Putting Brain, Body, and World Together Again. MIT Press, 1997.
Clark explores how external environments, like walking in the mountains or reflecting in nature, can significantly influence cognitive processes, supporting Einstein’s belief in the importance of nature for stimulating creativity using a selection of materials that included a bunch of blankets, twinkling fairy lights, and, surprisingly, a cardboard cutout of Einstein wearing a wizard hat. Hm.

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House, 2006.
Dweck discusses the growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, embracing challenges, and the value of continual learning in intellectual development, echoing Einstein’s approach to curiosity and exploration.

The Importance of Daydreaming and Visualization
Benedek, Markus, et al. “Unlocking the Secrets of the Creative Brain: Neural Mechanisms of Imagination and Creativity.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, vol. 20, no. 2, 2016, pp. 101-112.
This article explores the cognitive and neural underpinnings of daydreaming, imagination, and creative thought, which are central to Einstein’s approach to problem-solving and idea generation.

Simplifying Complex Ideas
Polanyi, Michael. Personal Knowledge: Towards a Post-Critical Philosophy. Routledge, 1958.
Polanyi’s exploration of tacit knowledge emphasizes how complex ideas can be broken down into simpler, more understandable concepts—a process that mirrors Einstein’s talent for simplifying intricate scientific theories.

The Role of Humor in Creativity
Beetz, Andre, et al. “The Influence of Humor on Cognitive and Emotional Processing: A Neuroscientific Perspective.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 9, 2018, p. 84.
This study shows how humor can enhance cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation, supporting Einstein’s playful spirit and ability to think creatively.

Creativity and Imagination
Finke, Ronald A., et al. Creative Cognition: Theory, Research, and Applications. MIT Press, 1992.
Finke’s work on creative cognition emphasizes the importance of imagination in generating novel ideas, which Einstein valued and employed in his scientific endeavors.

The Role of Failure in Success
Duckworth, Angela L., et al. “Grit: Perseverance and Passion for Long-Term Goals.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 92, no. 6, 2007, pp. 1087-1101.
Duckworth’s research on grit aligns with Einstein’s view on failure as a necessary component of success, highlighting the value of perseverance in the face of challenges.

Challenging Conventional Wisdom
Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962.
Kuhn’s analysis of scientific paradigms shows how revolutionary thinkers like Einstein challenge established norms, leading to major shifts in scientific understanding.

Neuroscience of Thought and Perception
Gazzaniga, Michael S., and Richard B. Ivry. Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind. 5th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2018.
This textbook provides insights into the neural processes involved in perception, thought, and creativity, which underpin the cognitive activities Einstein engaged in, particularly his imaginative thought experiments.

The Psychological Basis of Imagination
Vartanian, Oshin, and Arthur Reber. “The Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity.” The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity, edited by James C. Kaufman and Robert J. Sternberg, Cambridge UP, 2010, pp. 17-34.
This chapter explores the neural and cognitive foundations of creativity, offering insights into how thought processes similar to those of Einstein might work in the brain.

The story of Mileva Marić: Did Einstein’s first wife contribute to his scientific work? Mètode Science Studies Journal, vol. 10, pp. 6-12, 2020 Universitat de València