Einstein

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Albert Einstein (爱因斯坦)
Alias(es)	“God of Love”; Professor Einstein 2 530
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	ETH Zurich; University of Zurich; University of Bern; Berlin University; Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics 30 110 207 428
Occupation/Role	Theoretical physicist; professor; director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics 207 428
First Appearance	Chapter 2

Background / History

Einstein first meets Li Qiwei—then known to him as Bruce—while still an unknown 21-year-old student. Drawn to Bruce’s conference remarks on the incompleteness of physics, atomic phenomena, and the nature of light, he seeks out a discussion and begins a long intellectual friendship through exchanged addresses and letters. 2

While studying at ETH Zurich, Einstein faces hostility from Federico, who insults him for being Jewish. Li Qiwei publicly supports Einstein, and the incident strengthens his friendship with both Li Qiwei and Grossman. 30

After clashing with Professor Weber, Einstein plans to pursue a doctorate at the University of Zurich under Professor Kleiner. Li Qiwei’s ambitious research agenda renews his resolve to remain committed to theoretical physics, and he, Li Qiwei, and Grossman establish the Zurich School as a circle for sharing research. 34

Li Qiwei’s intervention changes Einstein’s early circumstances: Einstein obtains Swiss citizenship and begins working at the Bern Patent Office earlier than expected. His correspondence with Li Qiwei continues, particularly around the photoelectric effect and the constancy of light speed. 56

Academic Career

Position / Milestone	Chapter	Details
ETH Zurich student	2 30	Meets Li Qiwei before graduating and studies alongside Grossman.
University of Zurich doctoral applicant	34 110	Seeks a doctorate under Professor Kleiner; his dissertation is initially criticized and returned for revision.
Bern Patent Office employee	56 110	Gains Swiss citizenship and a well-paid, low-pressure position.
Associate Professor, University of Bern	207	Publishes a major paper applying Quantum Theory to the specific heat of solids.
Professor, Berlin University	428	Holds a physics professorship in Berlin.
Director, Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics	428	Becomes the institute’s first director on Planck’s recommendation after Li Qiwei declines the post.

Personality

Einstein is driven by a sincere pursuit of physics rather than status. He is deeply affected by criticism early in his career—particularly when peers dismiss him as merely benefiting from Li Qiwei’s fame—but ultimately resolves to advance alongside Li Qiwei rather than remain in his shadow. 110

He is a committed theoretical physicist who prefers thought experiments and mathematical reasoning to laboratory work. This places him in conflict with Kleiner’s experimental priorities, but Einstein remains firm in his chosen path. 110

His intellectual independence persists even toward close friends. He repeatedly challenges Li Qiwei’s quantum interpretations, favors causality and determinism, and refuses to accept probabilistic explanations without rigorous justification. 292 531 536

Abilities & Skills

Theoretical Physics

Einstein is recognized for exceptional physical intuition, mathematical ability, and the ability to identify foundational problems in major theories.

• Supplied the crucial physical meaning for the Li Qiwei Transformation, turning it from a formula into a framework for relativity. 77 113
• Presents complex ideas under pressure, including the postulates and implications of Special Relativity. 119 120
• Uses thought experiments to test theoretical assumptions, including the Twin Paradox, Light Box Experiment, and a paradox concerning locality and quantum mechanics. 121 595 598
• Questions theories at the level of their underlying methodology rather than only their calculations. 531

Special Relativity

Einstein co-authors On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies with Li Qiwei, introducing the Theory of Relativity to the world.

• Is listed ahead of Li Qiwei on the paper after Li Qiwei voluntarily changes the author order to recognize Einstein’s contribution. 111 112
• Explains the constancy of light speed, equivalence of physical laws in inertial frames, time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of space and time at the First Relativity Symposium. 119
• Introduces the light-cone explanation of simultaneity and causality. 120
• Defends the theory before international physicists despite intense scrutiny and Planck’s momentum-conservation challenge. 123

Quantum and Atomic Physics

Einstein makes major contributions to Quantum Theory beyond his work on relativity.

• Publishes research explaining the decrease of solid heat capacity with temperature through quantized atomic vibrations. 207
• Uses quantum concepts to explain the specific heat of solids, demonstrating Quantum Theory’s value in thermodynamics. 207
• Proposes a third mode of electron transition at the Second Quantum Theory Conference. 282 530
• Challenges Matrix Mechanics and Probability Wave theory, arguing that unobservable electron orbits may still exist and that Quantum Mechanics could be incomplete. 531 595
• Remains uncomfortable with the probabilistic interpretation of Quantum Mechanics and raises the question: “Does God play dice?” 536

Unified Field Theory

Einstein pursues unification as a means of surpassing existing physical frameworks.

• Attempts to unify gravity and electromagnetism through a Unified Field Theory based on General Relativity. 428 429
• Publishes the theory in Nature, creating a major sensation in the physics community. 429
• Remains confident in his approach despite Laue’s caution and Li Qiwei’s planned challenge involving the strong and weak forces. 428

Electromagnetic Theory

Einstein proposes that magnetism is not fundamental, but emerges as a relativistic effect of moving electric charges.

• Attributes magnetic force to changes in charge distribution across reference frames. 661
• His hypothesis provokes widespread debate following Dirac’s magnetic-monopole proposal. 661

Relationships

• Li Qiwei / Bruce Li — Closest friend, early collaborator, and enduring academic rival. Li Qiwei guides Einstein’s early development, co-authors Special Relativity with him, and later promises Science City will shelter him if Germany becomes unsafe. 2 77 111 436
• Marcel Grossman — Friend from ETH Zurich and co-founder of the Zurich School; Grossman supports Einstein during the confrontation with Federico. 30 34
• Professor Kleiner — Doctoral advisor at the University of Zurich. Kleiner criticizes Einstein’s dissertation and discourages him from focusing on pure theoretical physics. 110 112
• Max Planck — Senior physicist who challenges Einstein’s relativity presentation impartially; later recommends Einstein as director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics. 123 428
• Minkowski — Former mathematics teacher who notes Einstein’s interest in the constancy of light speed and praises his correspondence with Li Qiwei. 28
• Max von Laue — Friend and Berlin colleague who discusses Einstein’s Unified Field Theory with him. 428
• Erwin Schrödinger — Shares Einstein’s doubts about parts of Quantum Mechanics and aligns with him during debates over Matrix Mechanics and Probability Wave theory. 531 595
• Leó Szilárd — Later friend who discusses physics with Einstein and frequently recruits him as a co-inventor for patents. 691

Story Role / Major Arcs

Early Friendship and the Zurich School

Einstein’s encounter with Li Qiwei begins as a search for someone who shares his doubts about completed classical physics. Li Qiwei’s confidence and guidance help Einstein commit to theoretical research, despite institutional and social pressures. 2 34 110

Birth of Special Relativity

Einstein helps give physical significance to Li Qiwei’s transformation formula and collaborates on On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies. Though initially dismissed as an attention-seeking mathematical game, the paper makes Einstein internationally famous. 77 112

First Relativity Symposium

At the Brussels symposium, Einstein delivers the central presentation on Special Relativity. He answers challenges on inertial frames, light cones, causality, and the Twin Paradox, earning the audience’s recognition as a leading physicist. 119 120 121

Rise as an Independent Physicist

Einstein establishes himself beyond being known as “Bruce’s friend” through his quantum-specific-heat work and further theoretical contributions. His fame rises rapidly, and he becomes an associate professor at the University of Bern. 207

Determinism Versus Probability

Einstein becomes one of the most prominent opponents of Li Qiwei’s probabilistic interpretation of quantum phenomena. Their disagreements remain grounded in mutual respect, with Einstein defending determinism and causality against Quantum Mechanics’ increasingly counterintuitive implications. 293 531 536

Unified Field Theory

As director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics, Einstein develops and publishes a Unified Field Theory seeking to unify gravity and electromagnetism. The work establishes him as a central figure in the race toward unification, even as Li Qiwei prepares a competing challenge. 428 429

Notable Quotes

“Bruce, this time, I won't hide behind your footsteps. I will walk forward shoulder to shoulder with you!” 110

“Does God play dice?” 536

“If you can still convince me this time, then I will never question this theory again.” 597

Trivia

• Li Qiwei’s internal ranking places Einstein alongside Newton and Maxwell as one of only three “Gods of Physics.” 2
• Einstein is known among physicists as Li Qiwei’s “number-one best buddy,” with their shared rise becoming a widely told story. 530
• He is described as unable to separate himself from theoretical physics, treating his mind as his most precise laboratory. 110