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Albert Einstein, Nobel-winning physicist, revolutionised our understanding of the universe with relativity and quantum mechanics. He died on April 18, 1955, at 76.
Albert Einstein Death Anniversary: According to his secretary, Albert Einstein’s last words were spoken in German. (File pic)
Albert Einstein Death Anniversary 2025: Albert Einstein was not only a Nobel Prize-winning physicist but also a visionary whose theories fundamentally altered our understanding of the universe. His contributions to science, particularly in the fields of relativity and quantum mechanics, continue to influence research and discovery to this day.
His theories, particularly the Theory of Relativity, and his contributions to quantum mechanics laid the foundation for major advancements in physics and cosmology. On the anniversary of his death, the world reflects on the enduring legacy of one of history’s most influential scientific minds.
Let’s take a closer look at his academic background, how he died, and the final words attributed to him.
Academic Background And Qualifications
Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in the Kingdom of Württemberg, part of the German Empire. His early education began at St. Peter’s Catholic Elementary School in Munich, where he demonstrated a strong interest in mathematics and science.
He later attended the Luitpold Gymnasium in Munich, where he continued his secondary education. However, Einstein did not complete his schooling in Germany. In 1895, at the age of 16, he moved to Switzerland and attempted to enter the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich.
Although he showed exceptional skill in mathematics and physics, he did not pass the general portion of the entrance examination. He then enrolled at the Cantonal School in Aarau, completing his secondary education and graduating in 1896.
Later that year, Einstein was admitted to the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School (now ETH Zurich), where he pursued a four-year programme aimed at training teachers in mathematics and physics. He successfully graduated in 1900 with a diploma in teaching.
In 1905, Einstein earned his doctorate from the University of Zurich. His thesis, titled ‘Eine neue Bestimmung der Moleküldimensionen’ (A New Determination of Molecular Dimensions), contributed significantly to the understanding of atomic theory and molecular physics.
Throughout his career, Einstein received numerous honorary doctorate degrees in science, medicine, and philosophy from several universities across Europe and North America, recognising his far-reaching impact on science.
Cause of Death
Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955, at Princeton Hospital, New Jersey, at the age of 76. The previous day, on April 17, 1955, he experienced internal bleeding caused by the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This condition had been surgically treated once before by Dr. Rudolph Nissen in 1948.
At the time of his admission to the hospital, Einstein had brought with him a draft of a speech he was preparing for a television appearance marking the seventh anniversary of the State of Israel. He did not live to complete it.
Einstein declined surgery, stating, “I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share; it is time to go. I will do it elegantly.”
Despite his deteriorating condition, he continued working until shortly before his death. He passed away peacefully in the early hours of the following morning.
His Final Words
According to his secretary, Albert Einstein’s last words were spoken in German. The nurse attending to him at the time did not understand the language, and thus the precise wording remains unknown. However, the translated version of what was reportedly said is, “I am at the mercy of fate and have no control over it.”
Following his death, an autopsy was performed and Einstein’s body was cremated. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes were scattered at an undisclosed location to prevent the creation of any public memorial site.
Einstein had explicitly requested that neither his office nor his residence be converted into memorials. This request was honoured, reinforcing his desire to be remembered for his scientific contributions rather than personal relics.
Today, Albert Einstein remains a towering figure in the history of science. His theories continue to be taught, tested, and expanded upon by physicists worldwide.