In his exploration of Einstein's life, Walter Isaacson highlights the struggle even great minds face, citing Schopenhauer's experience with unemployment. Despite his intellectual brilliance, Schopenhauer felt defeated by his circumstances, reflecting how external factors can affect even the most gifted individuals.

Isaacson also shares a metaphor from Einstein, emphasizing resilience and constant progression. He portrays life as a bicycle ride, suggesting that maintaining balance and stability requires continuous movement forward, indicating the importance of perseverance in the face of life's challenges.