Did Albert Einstein Ever Say Anything Negative About Isaac Newton or Sir Isaac Newton’s Work? If So, What Were They?

Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton were two giants of science, each making groundbreaking contributions that have shaped the modern world. However, the notion that Albert Einstein ever said anything negative about Isaac Newton or his work is a misconception. In reality, Einstein expressed profound admiration and respect for Newton, who paved the way for numerous scientific advancements.

Profound Gratitude and Respect

When asked about his views on Newton, Einstein remarked in the foreword of a new edition of Opticks:

“Fortunate Newton, happy childhood of science! He who has the time and tranquility can by reading this book live again the wonderful events which the great Newton experienced in his young days. Nature to him was an open book whose letters he could read without effort.”

Einstein continued to express his profound gratitude and respect for Newton, often referring to him as a pioneering genius whose work laid the foundational bricks for the cathedral of modern science.

Einstein’s Recognition of Sir Isaac Newton’s Achievements

Although Einstein is renowned for his contributions to the theory of relativity, he also recognized the importance of other scientists, particularly James Clerk Maxwell, who, as he once said, he stood on rather than on Newton's shoulders. This statement, however, is more a testament to the cumulative nature of scientific progress than a slight on Newton’s contributions.

“No, I stand on Maxwell’s shoulders.”

Einstein kept only three pictures of great scientists in his study throughout his life: Isaac Newton’s portrait, Michael Faraday’s picture, and James Clerk Maxwell’s. He considered them all heroes, acknowledging their epochal contributions to science and the profound inspiration they provided to him.

High Regard for Newton’s Work

Newton’s work spanned many fields, including optics, mathematics, physics, and astronomy. Einstein admired the multiplicity of Newton's genius, encompassing advanced mathematics, physics, astronomy, and optics. Newton's experiments and inventions also played a significant role in Einstein's early fascination with the invisible force fields, such as Earth's magnetic field and the magnetic north.

Einstein's early interest in science began with a simple gift from his father: a compass. This gift sparked a deep curiosity in the young Einstein about the invisible forces that guided the compass needle. It was James Clerk Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism and the Maxwell field equations of electrodynamics, however, that profoundly influenced Einstein later in his formative years.

Concluding Thoughts

It is clear that Albert Einstein held Isaac Newton in the highest regard and did not criticize Newton’s work. Instead, Einstein praised Newton and the foundational work he did, acknowledging the vast contributions Newton made to the advancement of science. The appreciation for the pioneers of science is a testament to the cumulative nature of scientific achievement and the importance of recognizing the work of those who came before us.