Historical Figure Dinner-Albert Einstein by Brandon

Historical Figure Dinner-Albert Einstein by Brandon - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Throughout American history, there have been many notable figures who explored new territory, led social revolutions, made sacrifices, and influenced the course of key events in our nation. There are thousands of people who made their mark and contributed to our nation in one way or another, and I am sure that each of them could offer a unique and enlightening perspective on the actions and effects of their lives. With this in mind, the figure who I would most like to have dinner with is Albert Einstein.
The United States is a nation of immigrants. Immigration and changing demographics of the US population are key features of our country, so it seems appropriate that I would meet with Einstein, who became a US citizen in 1940 to escape religious persecution by the Nazis in Germany. I would like to speak with him to understand the feelings associated with such discrimination, and to get a sense of the Nazi regime from the perspective of someone who was targeted by it, and escaped.
Probably the main reason why I would like to talk to Albert Einstein is the same reason that he is so incredibly famous: he was smart. It is no coincidence that the word “Einstein” has become essentially synonymous with “genius,” and nearly everyone today has at least a general idea about him. I think it would be an incredible opportunity just to see his mind and how it works, and marvel at the incredible logic and insight with which it undoubtedly flows. Scientific advancements and explorations intrigue me, and of everyone in American history, Albert Einstein is arguably the most influential pioneer of science. He developed one of the two pillars of modern physics, off of which we base much of our current thought. I would love to ask him about the source of inspiration for all of his many incredible contributions, and the amount of work and determination that went into his research. I personally aspire to be as dedicated to something in my life as he was in his, and could draw a great deal of motivation from experiencing the complex and revolutionary mind of such a remarkable human.
I would also like to discuss moral principles with Einstein, especially involving the Manhattan Project, which he was a part of, and which led to the creation of the nuclear bomb. I would like to know his perspective on this issue firsthand, knowing that he was against the use of nuclear fission for destructive purposes. It would be interesting to see if he believed that his involvement in the project was justified by its noble purpose, or completely irreconcilable as a result of its devastatingly horrific effects on two cities in Japan.
If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I would definitely choose Albert Einstein. He is a someone who I look up to, and who I believe can give an important perspective and insight on a wide variety of issues.