163 ways to lose your job

摘要

In 20 May 1921 excited crowdsmilled around Boston's railwaystation hoping to catch a glimpse ofAlbert Einstein, who was making his firstvisit to America's most famously learnedcity. After an impromptu tour, thephysicist was whisked off to breakfastwith the city's mayor and the governor ofMassachusetts. Afterwards, as the dinersrelaxed over cigars, reporters lobbed thecelebrated genius a question more fit fora teenager: 'What is the speed of sound?'Einstein was stumped. He didn't knowoff-hand, he admitted. 'EINSTEIN SEESBOSTON; FAILS EDISON TEST,' crowedthe next day's headlines - and ThomasEdison claimed his most prominent victimyet in a 'brainmeter' craze thatrevolutionised public attitudes towardsaptitude tests.