Thirty-six years old and a Dad, Albert Einstein wrote a letter to his son Hans Albert when the genius was in Berlin.
The 11-year old was in Vienna, with his brother Edward (“Tete”) and Einstein’s estranged wife, Mileva. The letter was written after the theory of relativity was done. Here’s an excerpt:
Dear [Hans] Albert,
…These days I have completed one of the most beautiful works of my life, when you are bigger, I will tell you about it.
I am very pleased that you find joy with the piano. This and carpentry are in my opinion for your age the best pursuits, better even than school. Because those are things which fit a young person such as you very well. Mainly play the things on the piano which please you, even if the teacher does not assign those. That is the way to learn the most, that when you are doing something with such enjoyment that you don’t notice that the time passes. I am sometimes so wrapped up in my work that I forget about the noon meal. . . .
Be with Tete kissed by your
Papa.
Regards to Mama.
Perhaps this can be also be passed on as a friendly advice to the so many restless young professionals out there who are quick to get bored in their chosen paths. I guess life is short to be grim about what we do.
