Albert Einstein, the renowned theoretical physicist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking theory of relativity and his pivotal role in the development of quantum theory. His iconic equation, E=mc², is globally recognized, and he is widely considered one of history's most brilliant minds. While it's a common notion that Einstein was a lifelong vegetarian or even vegan, the reality is more nuanced. Although he adopted a primarily vegetarian diet later in life, there's substantial evidence indicating he consumed meat for a significant portion of his life. This article examines Einstein's dietary habits, the reasons behind his shift towards vegetarianism, and debunks some common misconceptions.
Early Life and Dietary Habits
During his early years, Einstein's diet was far from restrictive. Records suggest that he consumed meat regularly. As a student, he faced financial constraints and health problems. Early dinners were of exemplary frugality. There are accounts of him enjoying meat-based dishes. Phillip Frank, in his autobiography, recounts an occasion when he and Einstein purchased calf's liver together for lunch. On another occasion, friends Maurice Solovine and Conrad Habicht gifted him caviar for his birthday, which he heartily enjoyed.
Health Problems and Dietary Changes
Einstein's health deteriorated at various points in his life. After submitting his papers on the Special Theory of Relativity when he was 26, he took a position in Prague and moved there with Mileva and their children. His health deteriorated again after moving to Switzerland less than two years before moving again, this time to Germany. After the war was over, he fell sick again. He lost 55 lbs (25 kg) in two months, and it took him three years to recover. During this time, his widowed cousin Elsa took care of him, whom he subsequently married. Food shortages made his recovery extra difficult.
As he aged, Einstein suffered from various ailments, including stomach ulcers, jaundice, gallbladder inflammation, liver problems, and acute intestinal pains. These health issues prompted him to adjust his diet. Doctors initially recommended a balanced diet that included meat, but as his digestive problems persisted, they eventually advised him to eliminate meat altogether.
The Transition to Vegetarianism
Einstein's views on eating meat evolved over time. While traveling in Asia with Elsa, he experienced intestinal pains. Another passenger, who was a doctor, had to step in to treat him when he got sick onboard the ship. Elsa forbade him from drinking coffee and eating potatoes or Japanese food, in an attempt to safeguard his health. He was also advised not to eat meat at various points in his life, likely during this time as well.
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By the time he was 51, he was publicly praising vegetarianism, even though he still hadn’t cut out meat completely. Only two years after that, when Albert was 57, Elsa died. From that point onwards, according to biographer Ronald Clark, “Miss Dukas did most of the cooking, which consisted usually of macaroni, noodles, other soft foods and little meat.”
It's not entirely clear when Einstein completely stopped eating meat. At 74, he wrote, "I have always eaten animal flesh with a somewhat guilty conscience." A year before his death, he stated, "So I am living without fats, without meat, without fish, but am feeling quite well this way."
Moral and Ethical Considerations
Beyond health reasons, ethical considerations also played a role in Einstein's dietary choices. He expressed feeling a "guilty conscience" about eating meat, suggesting a moral conflict with consuming animal flesh. This sentiment aligns with his broader humanitarian views and his concern for the well-being of others.
Vegetarianism vs. Veganism
It's important to note that Einstein's dietary shift was towards vegetarianism, not veganism. Veganism, which excludes all animal products, including dairy and eggs, was not widely established during his lifetime. Donald Watson, the founder of the first vegan society, remained a vegetarian until the 1940s before embracing veganism. Therefore, it's unlikely that Einstein was ever exposed to the concept of veganism.
Debunking the Myth of Einstein's Veganism
Despite the rumors, Einstein was not vegan. There are numerous accounts and records of him consuming meat throughout his life. His transition to a primarily vegetarian diet occurred later in life due to health concerns and ethical considerations, not as a lifelong commitment to veganism.
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Impact and Legacy
Einstein's dietary choices, particularly his later adoption of vegetarianism, have resonated with many. Some plant-based eaters cite him as an example of the intelligence of abstaining from meat. While his diet may not have been the source of his brilliance, his shift towards vegetarianism reflects a growing awareness of the ethical and health implications of meat consumption.
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