The chapter “A Truly Beautiful Mind” is a biography of Albert Einstein. It traces his journey from childhood to becoming a genius, highlighting his thoughts, struggles, achievements — and his unique mindset. This chapter gives students important life lessons about perseverance, creativity, and thinking beyond the ordinary.
Below is a set of important questions and answers based on the chapter — useful for homework, revision, and exam preparation.
🧠 Short & Long Answer Questions — A Truly Beautiful Mind
Q: Who do you think of when you hear the word ‘genius’? What qualities do you think a genius has?
A: When I hear “genius”, I think of Albert Einstein. A genius has exceptional intellect, curiosity, creativity. He is patient, persevering, and thinks beyond existing ideas. He seeks truth, challenges norms, and aims to contribute positively to society.
Q1: According to others, what were people’s early opinions about Einstein?
A:
- His playmates called him “boring.” Learn CBSE+1
- A headmaster once said he was “stupid” and would never succeed in life. Learn CBSE+1
- Even his mother thought he was a “freak.” Learn CBSE+1
Q2: Why did Einstein leave the school in Munich? Why did he prefer to study in Switzerland instead?
A: Einstein disliked the strict regimentation and discipline of the Munich school — he felt stifled and unhappy. Learn CBSE+1
He later chose Switzerland because its education system was more liberal and offered freedom of thought. Learn CBSE+1
Q3: What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office — and why?
A: He called it the “bureau of theoretical physics.” Under that desk drawer, he secretly developed his ideas — using it like a private space for his scientific thoughts and work. Learn CBSE+1
Q4: Why did Einstein write a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt?
A: When the Nazis rose to power in Germany and nuclear fission was discovered, Einstein feared that Germany could build an atomic bomb. He wrote to Roosevelt to warn him against the misuse of atomic power. Learn CBSE+1
Q5: Why is Einstein remembered as a ‘world citizen’?
A: Because he believed in universal peace and humanity rather than nationalistic or narrow-minded thinking. After seeing the devastation caused by atomic bombs, he advocated for peace and welfare of all humanity. Learn CBSE+1
📌 Important Themes & Messages from the Chapter
- Great minds are often misunderstood in childhood — persistence and belief in oneself matter more than early acclaim.
- Genius isn’t just academic brilliance; it’s a mix of curiosity, originality, free thinking, and moral integrity.
- Importance of thinking independently, valuing freedom, and not succumbing to strict conventional norms.
- Responsibility of intellect — science and knowledge should be used for the welfare of humanity, not destruction.
- Humanity, peace, compassion — success is not just personal but should benefit society at large.
📝 Exam & Revision Tips — How to Use This Guide
Combine chapter summary + Q&A + personal reflections for better answers in long-answer questions.
Use the short & long answer sets for quick revision before exams.
Practice writing answers in your own words — avoid rote learning; understand the meaning and express clearly.
Focus on character traits, timeline, key decisions, and moral lessons — these are often asked in exams.
