Class 9 English Chapter 4 Question Answers - A Truly Beautiful Mind

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office? Why?
Ans: Einstein referred to his desk drawer at the patent office as the 'Bureau of Theoretical Physics'. This name reflected his constant engagement in developing new ideas, and he utilized the drawer to store papers related to these ideas during his office hours.

Q2: Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt?
Ans: Einstein, a strong advocate for peace, had serious concerns about the potential creation of an atomic bomb by the Nazis. On 2 August 1939, he wrote a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt, warning him of this looming threat and urging the United States to take decisive action.

Q3: How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
Ans: Upon witnessing the catastrophic effects of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Einstein's fears about the potential misuse of nuclear technology intensified. He was profoundly disturbed by the destruction and quickly wrote a letter to the United Nations, suggesting the creation of a world government to prevent future conflicts.

Q4: What did the headmaster think about Einstein?
Ans: Einstein's headmaster had a negative opinion of him, viewing him as a dull student. He informed Einstein's father that no matter what career Einstein chose, he would not find success. The headmaster doubted Einstein's abilities.

Q5: How did Einstein fare in high school?
Ans: Einstein was a strong student during his high school years in Munich, achieving good marks in nearly all subjects. He particularly excelled in Mathematics and Physics, which set the stage for his future as a famous scientist. However, he disliked the strict rules of the school and eventually left at the age of 15.

Q6: When and where did Einstein meet Mileva Marie?
Ans: Einstein encountered Mileva Marie at a university in Zurich. Enrolled as a student in Switzerland, Mileva Marie captured Einstein's interest due to her intelligence. Subsequently, their connection deepened, leading to their marriage.

Q7: What was the invention of Einstein?
Ans: In 1915, Einstein introduced his General Theory of Relativity, presenting a novel interpretation of gravity. The accuracy of his theory was confirmed in 1919, solidifying its significance in the field of physics.

Q8: Why does the world remember Einstein as a World Citizen?
Ans: Einstein is remembered as a world citizen due to his strong commitment to humanity. He used his fame to advocate for peace and democracy globally. His dedication to altruistic causes garnered him widespread admiration and solidified his legacy as a champion for all people.

Q9: Why did Einstein not mix up with other children?
Ans: Einstein's childhood was marked by his reluctance to interact with other children. He commenced speaking at a later age, often repeating words twice. This aloofness led to his limited social interaction and separation from his peers.

Long Answer Questions

Q10: Albert Einstein was an unusual child. How? He was different from others in many ways. Do you think that those who think differently succeed in their life like Einstein? Comment.
Ans: Albert Einstein exhibited unusual traits as a child. He had a larger-than-average head and experienced delayed speech development, which made him stand out. Einstein preferred to play alone and often avoided his peers, earning him the label of an outsider. Despite these early challenges, his unique perspective ultimately led to his remarkable success. People who think differently can introduce fresh, innovative ideas, and while not everyone achieves the same level of success as Einstein, original thinking can lead to significant accomplishments.

Q11: Einstein succeeded in his professional life but failed miserably in his personal life. Do you think that family life is more important than the professional life? How can one make both personal and professional life happy? Why could Einstein not balance his family and professional life?
Ans: Einstein's professional achievements were noteworthy, yet his personal life was marked by turmoil. The balance between family and career is delicate and varies for each individual. Both family and professional aspects are important, and a harmonious balance is essential for overall well-being. To achieve this balance, effective time management, open communication, and prioritization of relationships are crucial. Einstein's inability to balance his family and professional life could be attributed to his intense dedication to his scientific pursuits, which might have overshadowed his attention to personal matters.

Q12: Why did Albert Einstein leave the school at the age of fifteen? Do you think a liberal environment in the school helps in learning in a better way?
Ans: Albert Einstein left school at the age of fifteen because he felt uncomfortable with the school's strict discipline and rigid environment. He longed for a more open and liberal atmosphere that would allow him to think freely. Such an educational environment promotes creativity and independent thinking, which can significantly enhance the learning experience. Einstein's achievements at the University of Zurich, known for its more liberal approach, highlight the positive effects of this kind of educational setting.

Q13: Why was Albert Einstein called ‘Brother Boring’? Do you also think so? How do you avoid being called ‘Brother Boring’ in your school or at home?
Ans: Einstein earned the nickname 'Brother Boring' due to his preference for solitary play and unique interests like mechanical toys. While he may have appeared boring to his peers, it was his introverted nature and distinct inclinations. Personally, I believe that Einstein's interests and personality traits contributed to this perception. To avoid being labeled as 'Brother Boring,' one should engage in social activities, show interest in others' hobbies, and strike a balance between personal interests and interactions with peers.

Q14: Why do you think, Einstein’s personal life was not happy? According to you, what was the main reason for their unhappy married life? Do you think it is a common problem nowadays?
Ans: Einstein's personal life was troubled due to the conflicting ambitions between him and his wife, Mileva Marie. Both were highly intelligent and driven, which often led to clashes in their relationship. The difficulty in balancing their impressive careers with family responsibilities put a strain on their marriage. Today, many couples face similar challenges in balancing personal and professional aspirations, which can lead to difficulties in maintaining a harmonious family life.

Q15: Einstein was deeply shaken by the extent of the destruction. What kind of destruction had shaken Einstein? Was he a true scientist?
Ans: Einstein was profoundly affected by the devastation caused by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The unprecedented destruction resulting from his own scientific contributions troubled him deeply. Despite his significant achievements in science, Einstein's humanitarian concerns revealed his true commitment to humanity. His advocacy for peace and his push for the responsible use of scientific advancements highlight his status as a genuine scientist who prioritised the well-being of people over personal gain.