Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
Albert Einstein is considered one of the greatest scientific and mathematical geniuses in history. His most famous theory, the Theory of Relativety, published in 1905, discards the concept of time and space as absolute entities and views them as relative to moving frames of reference.
Despite his scientific genius, Einstein also felt that science and math should be balanced by philosophy and spirituality. Originally a complete pacifist against war of any kind, his outlook changed with the threat of Nazi world domination. He fought to speed up the creation of the atomic bomb, but later regretted that effort when he realized that the bomb was not necessary to save the world from the Nazis, but rather created the potential for even greater human suffering in the future.
Using his influence as a celebrity, he voiced his belief that “Mankind´s desire for peace can be realized only by the creation of a world government,” believing strongly that nationalism only helps instigate war. Einstein promoted international peace up until his death, advocating that individuals should strive for honest cooperation when possible, and when not possible, they should use Gandhi´s methods of active pacifism. “Peace cannot be kept by force,” he said. “It can only be achieved by understanding.”