How old is Einstein?

How old is Einstein?

It's an easy question isn't it? Take Einstein's birth year. Subtract it from what year it happens to be now. Hey presto, there's your answer.

But there must be a bunch of people who share that surname. His family. His descendants. And probably thousands of others. Why did you jump immediately to old Albert? Is he more important? What makes him so?

Next thing. 2009 minus 1879. How many 130-year old people do you know? Or can visualize? It doesn't bear thinking about, does it? It doesn't sit comfortably with you, nor does it make sense.

If Albert had died at his peak in a car crash like Diana, the consensus, most likely, would be that Einsteinis about 36 years old. It doesn't compute to us that a body keeps aging after it dies (although the fingernails and beard are said to keep growing for a while--creepy!).

Someone who lived a good long innings, though. And who was known for several events that spanned his or her lifetime. How old do they appear in your mind now? (assuming they are no longer alive). It's a weird thought don't you think?

Consider yourself.

Never mind how old you actually are, how old do you feel yourself to be? And does that perceived age change with time? And if you age, does that increase keep pace with the clock, or is it in some or other ratio? Or maybe it even speeds up or slows down according to your physical condition or life circumstances. Maybe when you develop some chronic illness (not acute) or when you are in prison such events or incidents would have some influence.

Asking someone's age just makes no sense (plus it's rather risky).