Albert Einstein’s Question Paper

Albert Einstein had just administered an examination to an advanced class of Physics students. As he left the building, he was followed out by one of his teaching  assistants.

“Excuse me, sir,” said the shy assistant, not quite sure how to tell the great man about his blunder.

“Yes?” said Einstein.

“Um, eh, it’s about the test you just handed out.

Einstein waited patiently.

“I’m not sure that you realize it, but this is the same test you gave out last year. In fact, it’s identical.”

Einstein paused to think for a moment, and then said, “Hmm, yes, it is the same test.”

The teaching assistant was now very agitated. “What should we do, sir?”

A slow smile spread over Einstein’s face. “I don’t think we need to do anything. The answers have changed!!”

Questions to ask oneself:

How have the answers to my problems / troubles changed?

Am I still trying the same strategies to overcome my problems that I used 10, 15 or 20 years ago?

Are those strategies relevant in today’s changed scenario and in the light of new knowledge?

“I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” — Abraham Lincoln

“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”​ — Albert Einstein

Ideas for action: Plan — Act — Check what’s working — Change accordingly.

If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again, but don’t try the same thing again and again. Change the strategy for a better or a different result.

Our situation, circumstances, conditions and environment are constantly subject to change, every moment. Our body, mind and intellect are also constantly subject to change, every moment. A person who deals with a particular problem today is not the same person who dealt with a similar problem 10 or 20 years ago nor are his situation, circumstances, conditions and environment the same. Moreover, new knowledge is also being added at a faster pace. Therefore, what may have worked in the past in a particular set of conditions and available knowledge may not necessarily work in a different set of conditions in the light of new knowledge.

The river constantly changes, so is the person who takes a dip in it.

Are you still the same?!!

Adaptability is the key.

Success depends on how quickly and sensibly one is able to adapt and adjust to the changing scenario and make necessary changes in one’s strategies in the light of new knowledge.