Review - Smolin - "Why No 'New Einstein'"

Summary of Lee Smolin “Why No ‘New Einstein’”

Lee Smolin questions why new creative geniuses are not recognized in the United States.  He believes American universities and institutions are not doing all they can to identify and encourage creative minds.  Although his criticisms and recommendations are directed toward academic Physics, they can be equally applied to any field and aspect of life involving creativity.   A review of “Why No ‘New Einstein’” outlines the conditions that limit creative prospects, provides recommendations to encourage creative thinking, and illustrates the difficulty in fostering creativity.

The thrust of the essay contains recommendations designed to identify and promote creative candidates for scientific research.   Although critical of academic protocols, it is Smolin’s belief that a few changes can foster environments more “hospitable to very talented physicists”.  A few of the barriers include those individuals who are conducting their own research are “ … outside the loop of prominent scientists,” employers are looking for experts in a specific field rather than individuals exploring new areas, researchers are expected follow established protocols, and new research is hard and more time consuming than exploring well understood techniques” (Smolin).  

Smolin’s Recommendations to identify and foster creative minds include promotions based on “ … ability, creativity and independence, without regard to whether they contribute to any research program.”  He suggests penalizing scientists who conduct easy research and to seek out individuals who have “rival” approaches.   He also suggests rewarding scientists for individual thought and the creation of a foundation promoting individualistic ideas and approaches.  

In brief, Smolin identifies several elements of social conditioning that foster conformity and predictability.  Conformity and predictability are the antithesis to creativity.  However, they are difficult behaviors to overcome as financial rewards and recognition are easier to achieve by furthering known ideas rather than approaching dilemmas with new or radical perspectives.   Smolin’s ideas are critical as they illustrate the difficulty with identifying and fostering creativity.  Although his recommendations may or may not be implemented, they do provide the reader with a solid understanding of the forces that inhibit or foster creativity.

Works Cited

Smolin, Lee. "Why No 'New Einstein'." Physics Today (June, 2005): 56-57. PDF.