I’m in the middle of writing a book on the personalities of genius, so I’ll answer this question using an excerpt from the chapter on Einstein in that book.
Most of the anecdotes pertaining to Einstein’s absent-mindedness derive from his ability to focus so intently on a particular problem that he became entirely unaware of his present surroundings. From early on, Einstein had shown a lack of this awareness when engaged in thought. In his years at the Zurich Polytechnic, he was already displaying symptoms of the “absent-minded professor.” His landlady was amused by the challenging relationship he shared with his possessions and, in particular, his house key. When traveling, he would often forget his clothes, his suitcase or travel documents. When he left his suitcase at the home of family friends, Einstein’s parents were informed, along with their fortuitous prediction, “That man will never amount to anything because he can’t remember anything.” These early episodes were a harbinger of things to come as Albert Einstein would later become the icon for absent-mindedness.
On one occasion, the Institute for Advanced Study received a call from someone who asked for the home address of Albert Einstein. When the receptionist explained that they weren’t allowed to give out that information, the caller lowered his voice and stated in an identifiable Germanic dialect, “Please don’t tell anybody, but I am Dr. Einstein; I’m on my way home, and I’ve forgotten where my house is.”
On another occasion, Einstein was attending a dinner in his honor. When one of the speakers embarked on a prolonged presentation, Einstein began to ruminate on a problem and started sketching equations on a small notepad. Suddenly, everyone rose to their feet and there was thunderous applause. When his secretary Helen Dukas nudged him to rise, he quickly stood and vigorously applauded, unaware that he had just been introduced.
In my research on the genius personality, I am finding a lot of interesting similarities, along with some dramatic differences, but absent-minded behavior is typical of these people, because deep concentration usually involves a lack of awareness of present surroundings.
