Chapter 11 Summary

In the winter of 1930, Einstein accepts an invitation to spend several months at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California. Einstein is delighted at the thought of meeting Michelson, now in his late 70s.

On the voyage over, Einstein is shocked at the luxuriousness of his room. He demands to be moved to a more modest room, but is dissuaded by Elsa. When the ship lands in New York, he gives several interviews, despite having earlier adamantly refused to do so. He has similar problems with overly gregarious Californians.

Just prior to his return to Berlin, an American journalist asks him about Hitler. Einstein responds that Hitler's influence will wane when the Germany economy improves.

Chapter 11 Analysis

Einstein's lack of a sense of elitism and entitlement are contrasted with the luxuries bestowed upon him. It also may explain how wrong he was...