Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Some Pearls of Wisdom from the Sea That was Known as Albert Einstein The thought leader was equally brainy with his words as his scientific works. Here's what entrepreneurs can learn from him

By Aastha Singal

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Many scientists have contributed tremendously to the field of science but only one name survived the struggle of history – Albert Einstein. The prominent mathematician, best known for giving the world "Theory of Relativity' had many intellectual achievements during his career but the thought leader was equally brainy with his words too.

Here are some inspiring quotes by the German Genius, entrepreneurs can take motivation from:

"A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth."

Since a young age, Einstein was into solving complex problems. He never believed in the systematic training and worship of authority. At school, his discomfort to the style of teaching was a testimony to his free-thinking, which he promoted later in life along with individuality.

Takeaway: For entrepreneurs looking to start up, the sky is the limit. Harbouring a blind faith in what the world has believed for years would be idiocy. The time is to look at education beyond degrees and explore new truths, new findings.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

The geniuses like Nikola Tesla have had the wildest of imaginations and it is their mind's eye that helped them achieved the heights. Einstein was no different. His unusual habit of muttering sentences under his breath which frightened his parents turned into an important tactic for the whiz kid.

Takeaway: In the world of entrepreneurship, dropouts have gained more success than highly-qualified individuals. Be it, Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg, every exemplary entrepreneur has soared in his/her career due to their imagination and not the knowledge they gained at a renowned business school.

"I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious."

Being inquisitive to explore the wonders of science and mathematics at a young age played an instrumental role in Einstein's many intellectual endeavours. While many called him gifted for his extraordinary abilities, he called it curiosity.

Takeaway: No one is a genius by birth. It is an ability people develop with time through their experiences and curiosity. If one is inquisitive enough to have the courage to go to umpteen depths to sate their thirst for knowledge, then no one can beat them.

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."

Even a man of calibre like Einstein was not immune to making errors. During his highly productive career, the German genius has made several mistakes also. Modern scientists think that what the late mathematician called cosmological constant might actually be dark energy.

Takeaway: Mistakes establish a person as a human. It is a part and parcel of every individual's life but a person rises only when he learns from his mistakes. An entrepreneur with many failed ventures in the past, value success more than those who have hit the bull's eye at their first attempt.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

No obstacle ever shook Einstein's will to move ahead. Despite being a genius, he couldn't escape the struggle of life. The deep thinker often forgot his possessions behind due to his weak memory but did that dwindle his prowess as a scientist? No! He lived his life like a king and that's what he preached too.

Takeaway: Amid the struggle to keep up with the latest deals, balance sheets and thousands of proposals, entrepreneurs often lose themselves inside the four walls of their office. What they often forget is that one doesn't need to be a genius to do major work in the world.

Aastha Singal

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Features Writer

A business journalist looking to find happiness in the world of startups, investments, MSMEs and more. Officially started her career as a news reporter for News World India, Aastha had short stints with NDTV and NewsX. A true optimist seeking to make a difference, she is a comic junkie who'd rather watch a typical Bollywood masala than a Hollywood blockbuster. 

Thought Leaders

Need More Confidence? These 10 Bestselling Books Will Help Improve Your Self-Esteem

Self-esteem can be hard to come by and even harder to maintain. To give yourself a boost, try these authors' words of wisdom.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started at Age 15 Led to a $4 Billion Boon for Small Businesses: 'They Would Take a Chance on Me With Their Hard-Earned Money'

Nic Beique asked his local barber, gym and more if they'd like him to build a website for their businesses.

Growth Strategies

Green Hydrogen Adoption: Where Does India Stand?

The cost disparity poses a challenge to the widespread adoption of green hydrogen, especially in sectors where cost competitiveness is crucial.

Growing a Business

Want to Expand Your Market Overseas? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Global Logistics in 2024

With rising geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions it can be hard for businesses to navigate supply chain logistics even in a post-pandemic world. Here are three tips from the CEO of an international customs brokerage.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Starting a Business

I Wish I Knew These Four Things Before Starting My Own Business

Starting a business is hard work to say the least. These are four lessons I wish someone had shared with me before going solo, so I'm here to share them with you.