Ep 3. Albert Einstein: How I See the World

Albert Einstein: How I See the World is the third episode of the sixth season of American Masters. This episode explores the life and work of one of the most famous and influential scientists of the 20th century, Albert Einstein. Through interviews with historians, scientists, and Einstein's friends and family members, viewers gain insight into the man behind the theories of relativity and the concept of mass-energy equivalence.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Einstein's early life in Germany, where he was born in 1879. Einstein struggled with traditional schooling and was often rebellious, but he excelled in math and physics. When he was 16, Einstein moved to Switzerland and eventually enrolled in the Polytechnic School in Zurich. It was there that he met his first wife, Mileva Maric, and began to develop his revolutionary ideas about the nature of the universe.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about Einstein's groundbreaking theories and discoveries, such as the photoelectric effect and the theory of relativity. Experts in the field of physics discuss how Einstein's ideas changed the way we understand the world around us. But the episode also delves into the political and social climate of the time, particularly in Germany during World War II. Viewers learn about Einstein's early opposition to the Nazi regime and his eventual emigration to the United States, where he became a professor at Princeton University.

To provide a more personal glimpse into Einstein's life, the episode also features interviews with Einstein's stepdaughter, Margot Einstein, and his granddaughter, Evelyn Einstein. They share intimate details about the man behind the scientist, describing him as loving and affectionate with his family. The episode also features clips of Einstein himself, including footage from a 1951 interview with NBC's David Susskind.

Overall, Albert Einstein: How I See the World is an insightful and fascinating look into the life of one of history's most brilliant minds. It explores both the scientific genius and the human being behind the theories, painting a nuanced and complex picture of a man who forever changed the way we see the universe.