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Reincarnation?

I remember reading that the reason Einstein gave for pursuing physics rather than mathematics, in spite of having a natural inclination to mathematics, was as follows:

Old Albert said that Young Albert was so enthralled by problems in mathematics that he would spend weeks in solitude working out solutions to many beautiful little problems he came across. But to Young Albert, in mathematics, all problems - every unsolved partial differential, every paradox of the theory of the infinite, every intractable contradiction of alternative geometries, EVERYTHING - appeared intricately beautiful. And thus EVERYTHING was equally attractive; meaning Young Albert could find no basis to look into one class of problems in preference to another.

And therein lay the catch; for obviously not ALL problems in mathematics were equally important and Hilbert's list was as yet non-existent. Meaning that the blinding uniform beauty of mathematics threatened Einstein's desire for purpose. The rest is now the history of relativity.

So there - in this simple dilemma - ends the similarity between Einstein and myself.

Now consider the differences:

Foremost, Einstein had the advantage of the slight matter of a few more grey cells than I possess. Meaning that ultimately it probably wouldn;t have mattered what he chose anyhow.

Secondly, Einstein's options were pretty limited:
a) Change the world of mathematics
b) Change the world of physics
Regardless, change the world.

I on the other hand, must take into account:
a) X-boxes and Playstations?
b) Crossword and Oxford and Strand?
c) World Bank and WTO?
d) ICICI Prudential?
e) TAS

Definite justification for belief in reincarnation I think.

posted by cue. @ 4:13 AM