In 1899, Einstein was studying at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich under the guidance of mathematician Minkowski. Because Einstein was diligent in thinking, he earned Minkowski's deep respect. The teacher and student often discussed science, philosophy, and life. One day, Einstein suddenly asked Minkowski, “How can someone like me leave shining footprints in the field of science and make outstanding contributions in life?”
The usually quick-witted Minkowski was taken aback and, three days later, excitedly approached Einstein, saying, “I finally have an answer to the question you asked!”
“What answer?” Einstein eagerly grabbed his teacher’s arm, “Tell me!”
Minkowski tried to explain with gestures but could not express it in words, so he led Einstein to a construction site and stepped directly onto freshly laid cement. Amid the workers' shouts, Einstein was confused and asked, “Teacher, aren’t you leading me astray?”
“Yes, astray!” Minkowski replied, ignoring the workers, “See? Only such ‘astray paths’ can leave footprints!” He continued, “Only new areas, places not yet set, can leave deep marks. Surfaces that have long hardened, trampled by countless feet, cannot bear new footprints…”
Einstein pondered deeply and gratefully said to Minkowski, “Master, I understand your meaning!”
From then on, a strong sense of innovation and exploration guided Einstein's thinking and actions. He once said, “I never memorize what is in dictionaries or manuals; my mind is only for thinking about things not yet written in books.”
Thus, in the years after leaving school, as a humble clerk at the Bern Patent Office, he used his spare time to conduct scientific research, boldly exploring three unknown areas in physics, challenging and surpassing Newtonian mechanics. At 26, he proposed and established the theory of special relativity, opening a new era in physics and leaving a brilliant mark in the history of science.
That section of fresh cement inspired Einstein’s spirit of innovation and exploration. In real life and various fields, there are many “unset cement surfaces” waiting for people to leave new footprints and embark on new journeys.
