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Was Albert Einstein A Minimalist?

By Frugaling 10 Comments

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Albert Einstein Laughing

Let me preface this essay by saying I’m not a “genius,” “theoretical physicist,” or “great thinker,” but I decided to pick up Einstein’s biography to learn about someone who’s been called all three. In 2008, the famed biographer and writer, Walter Isaacson, published Einstein’s story in a whole new light. His book catalogues the many triumphs, tribulations, and everyday struggles of the man who has become so revered.

As I read this 704-page tome, the very essence of Einstein came alive. Isaacson is a skilled writer, but he was homing in on something unique about his main character. Einstein extolled and lived for a simple life.

Albert Einstein is remembered for his brilliant discoveries in the field of physics. Without going too far into the weeds, he theorized about relativity and gravity. He felt they overlapped and coalesced. For instance, that light would bend in travel because of the sun’s gravitational pull. At the time, these were maddeningly complex ideas with little experimental support. Despite the novelty and unknowns, he stuck his neck out — time and time again. He didn’t bend or sway to convention, and it ultimately made him famous around the world.

Throughout the book, Einstein is heralded for derision of power, authority, and status quo. Even greater, he seemed to attack the fundamental strictures and culture of materialism. It’s clear that his simple living values made him a better, more unique thinker. Without a doubt, Einstein was an early pioneer for minimalism in the face of excess. And here are 5 reasons how he was a minimalist:

1. He idealized simple lifestyles

Einstein was fascinated with bohemian living. Even in early letters to his first wife, he professed that they shouldn’t ever be trapped by society’s expectations. He seemed to love the idea of eschewing what so many wanted. Einstein loved bohemianism, as he found creativity and passion in literature, music, and science. He commingled the three and crafted magical mental imagery of difficult physical constructions. Self-described bohemians were countercultural, just like the beatniks, hippies, and hipsters of generations to come.

2. He disliked bourgeois pursuits

He consciously avoided upper class trappings. This is captured perfectly by a quote in the book. When traveling to another city, he stayed on an office couch instead of a hotel. His friend said, “This was probably not good enough for such a famous man, but it suited his liking for simple living habits and situations that contravened social conventions.” Fame didn’t mean he would suddenly change his way of living. The rebel inside him allowed for success.

3. He gave away much of his wealth

He feared that fame and wealth might affect and degrade people’s ability to live creatively. Einstein gave generously and even dedicated all the Nobel Prize winnings to his first wife. He didn’t crave wealth, nor did he live by its swings. Einstein enjoyed good coffee, cigars, and conversation. Money allowed for those staples, but otherwise was relatively unnecessary. The power of wealth could’ve purchased many conveniences and statuses, and yet he downplayed its ability. Take this passage from the book: “From Prague, Einstein took the train to Vienna, where three thousand scientists and excited onlookers were waiting to hear him speak. At the station, his host waited for him to disembark from the first-class car but didn’t find him. He looked on to second-class car down the platform, and could not find him there either. Finally, strolling from the third-class car at the far end of the platform was Einstein, carrying his violin case like an itinerant musician.”

4. He ignored conventions

Much like the Mark Zuckerbergs of today, Einstein didn’t follow social norms for dress. Comfort was the more important factor. His hair grew unruly in later life. It was iconic for him, as he was this renowned genius, but I believe that this was a subtle rejection of cultural mores. Einstein wanted to show he was unique in both thought and modest dress.

5. He took time for independent thought

Above all, Einstein’s genius was in his ability to isolate and focus. For days and weeks at a time, he could hole up in his study and work. He didn’t eat regularly, nor did he pay attention to much around him, but in that solitude, he solved some of the greatest questions of all mankind. His habits often made him cold and cantankerous, but it also cultivated a lifelong independence. Simple time alone was vital to discovery.

I’m nearly finished with the book, but these discoveries were too hard to hold back. I figured I’d share them with you as soon as I could. Within these passages, quotes, and stories, I see a man that feared the trappings of privilege. He was a social advocate, scholar, and seeker.

In a way, I wonder if I share something with Einstein: a fear of ever having more than enough. I fear what money can do, and how some people embrace elite statuses at the cost of others. If Einstein were alive today, I’d ask whether he feared he might lose his creativity if he lived more lavishly. My guess is that he would say “yes.”

Oh, one more thing, read his biography: Einstein: His Life and Universe.

Filed Under: Minimalism Tagged With: Albert Einstein, counterculture, Frugal, Income, Life, minimal, Minimalism, money, Physics, Simple Living, Universe, Wealth

Frugal Articles of the Week

By Frugaling 5 Comments

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Reading Nook Photo

Last week I took a little break from the frugal round-up. Sorry Frugaling fans, but I’m back and have a terrific list of favorite reads over the last couple weeks. Hope you enjoy and share widely!

Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja by Budget Bytes
This week I’m hoping to cook this special recipe up! Budget Bytes is one of my favorite frugal blogs because the author breaks down total and serving cost for all the meals. This chicken dish costs about $1.32 per serving. Heck yes, I’ll try it!

Living In An Expensive City Can Make You Richer, Happier, And More Diplomatic by Financial Samurai
Here’s a unique twist on the choice between big-city and small-town living. Sam reviews some compelling reasons for considering more expensive cities. One of the most interesting centers on the push and need for frugality in a bigger city with less space. Cities seem to be bastions for minimalism and simple living, and when done right, can still be affordable places to live.

Why Do We Like Brands As Much As We Like People? by Eric Jaffe
Do we love Apple, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Pepsi, Google, etc? Can we love brands? If so, what does that mean for our spending habits? This article analyzes the very real effect that your love/like of brands has.

Millionaires Who Are Frugal When They Don’t Have to Be by Paul Sullivan
Frugality crosses income and wealth classes. It doesn’t mean that wealthy people can’t be frugal. This is a philosophy and way of life. Paul Sullivan from The New York Times perfectly highlights the trend of millionaires living well within their means.

Escape to Bro-topia by Steven Kurutz
Despite an abysmal, corny title, this New York Times article features one man’s simple life… in the trees. He built an incredible house in the forests of Oregon. Take a look at these pictures, too!

Filed Under: Save Money Tagged With: articles, brands, Food, Frugal, millionaires, Minimalism, Recipe, rich, Simple Living, Wealth, week

Frugal Articles of the Week

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Reading Nook Photo

Every week I like to feature a few frugal articles that caught my eyes. Curl up in your favorite reading nook and enjoy. Hopefully these encourage you to live frugal lives!

This millennial yurt is nicer than my apartment by Nitasha Tiku
The yurt. It’s a bizarre, unique, and pretty cool testament to simple living. The round base and slanted ceilings provide space for a terrific home. In this article, a young couple shares their decision to do more with less, while being environmentally conscientious.

8 Reasons Successful People Are Choosing to Wear the Same Thing Every Day by Joshua Becker
There’s a growing theme in the minimalist community on uniforms and standard wear. Frankly, I’m loving this new movement. It’s simple, better for the environment, and helps people focus on what’s most important.

Burdened With Debt, Law School Graduates Struggle in Job Market by Elizabeth Olson
Plenty of articles have highlighted the oversaturation of those with law degrees; yet, the talent pool is busier than ever. Jobs, unfortunately, are still very hard to find. One sad soul now has over $300,000 in student loan debt between undergraduate and graduate school. With a rough job market, it’s hard to imagine how debt can ever be paid off completely.

Want a Steady Income? There’s an App for That by Anand Giridharadas
It’s difficult budgeting and accounting for how much you can spend each month when you have a variable income. This fluctuation is a hallmark characteristic of construction workers, freelancers, and self-starters. One company is aiming to help people navigate the good and bad financial times.

Filed Under: Save Money Tagged With: app, articles, Budget, Clothing, Finances, Frugal, law school, Simple Living, weekly

Frugal Articles of the Week

By Frugaling Leave a Comment

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Reading Nook Photo

Every week I like to feature a few frugal articles that caught my eyes. Curl up in your favorite reading nook and enjoy. Hopefully these encourage you to live frugal lives!

The Benefits of Living Alone on a Mountain by Brian Bolster
Most of us are living lives like rats on a wheel, and it’s hard to find moments to stop and think. I, for one, could use that right about now. The following video comes from a mini-doc on a U.S. Forest Service fire patroller who scans the mountains for any signs of danger. He goes every fire season and finds it be one of the best times of the year. There’s downtime, reading, and an amazing connection to the world around him. Best part? He gets paid to do it!

Simple Living through Staying Single by a Redditor “Blue-Jasmine”
I’m not one for linking to Reddit posts in my weekly articles, but this one caught my eye. This woman talks about the process of breaking up with a boyfriend, joining dating sites, and then realizing an inner happiness and simpler life as a single person. Loved this little story!

The Most Underrated Sound in Our Society by Joshua Becker
This week, Joshua knocked it out of the park and focused on being mindful of sound; more importantly, appreciating silence. We live in a busy, fast-paced society that constantly demands for our attention. Silence is a rare commodity, and usually, doesn’t cost a thing. Beautiful reminder that we need to slow down enjoy all our senses.

Filed Under: Save Money Tagged With: articles, Best, dating, Frugal, Minimalism, reddit, Silence, Simple Living, Video, week

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