gu1tar/science

"I am no Einstein" said Einstein. He understood that no one, certainly not himself, was an Einstein, a godlike genius dispensing an endless supply of wisdom capsules good for whatever paradigm ails ya. Just read Dear Alby.

Of course he had a lot to say, much of it wise and profound. But he knew that it's not much better to be deified than demonized. Either way, you and your opinions become overblown, distended. Worst of all for a scientist, that leads away from truth.

This article documents the progress of Einstein as icon. Though "today, the Einstein industry is as strong as ever," his achievements shine beyond myth-makers that extract a few of his nuggets, drop them into a dull context, and hope they'll add some luster.