Einstein's discovery of special relativity involved an intuition based on a decade of intellectual as well as personal experiences.9 The most important and obvious, I think, was his deep understanding and knowledge of theoretical physics. He was also helped by his ability to visualize thought experiments, which had been encouraged by his education in Aarau. Also, there was his grounding in philosophy: from Hume and Mach he had developed a skepticism about things that could not be observed. And this skepticism was enhanced by his innate rebellious tendency to question authority.
Einstein's breakthrough in special relativity emerged from years of intellectual and personal growth. His profound grasp of theoretical physics played a crucial role, complemented by his talent for visualizing complex thought experiments, a skill nurtured during his education in Aarau. This strong foundation in physics, paired with his philosophical background, particularly influenced by thinkers like Hume and Mach, fostered a healthy skepticism towards unobservable phenomena.
Einstein's natural inclination to challenge authority further fueled this skepticism, enabling him to question established norms in the scientific community. This combination of knowledge, visualization skills, and a rebellious spirit ultimately paved the way for his revolutionary theories in physics, marking a significant moment in scientific history.
