Guest
. analyzes an interesting phenomenon: the public perception of people like Einstein and Hawking (as the greatest minds, geniuses etc.) is in stark contrast with their real achievements (which are pretty modest at best). It is clear we're dealing here with some sort of propaganda, advertisement - or a cult. The possible cultural roots of this cult are examined. Among others, one could mention historical reasons: the world wars, which have led to the escapist and primitivist tendencies in culture that have found their realization in widespread recognition of counter-intuitive theories (quantum mechanics and relativity). At the same time some ancient religious patterns also reemerge here: Einstein and Hawking are perceived almost as shamans, wizards etc. Hawking became “Zweistein“ roughly two decades after Einstein's death. And after Hawking's death the question about the next successor to the cult (“Dreistein“) still remains open.
