The Other Einstein

by Marie Benedict

Every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed thereon.

How could we, well-bred, sheltered girls reared to be polite, say anything but yes?

I was raised to be nice, be respectful, be polite. Then as a nurse among largely affluent patients, I was socialized to accommodate as much as possible. This was in the 1970s and 1980s so this attitude from the early 1900s rang true for me and I see that girls were raised the same ways for 100 years.

But then the majesty of the view took hold. The vaulting peaks of surrounding mountains capped by clouds and azure skies competed with the wide, navy swath of the lake and river. We were small against the vastness of nature. Even Mr. Einstein, ever garrulous, grew quiet.

Beautiful description of our place in nature