Einstein, the Train, and the Forgetful Nature of Man

Einstein, the Train, and the Forgetful Nature of Man

It’s said that Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds to ever walk the earth, was once traveling by train.

As the conductor came by to check tickets, Einstein began anxiously patting his pockets, checking his coat and bag, searching everywhere. The conductor recognized him instantly and gently said:

“Sir, there’s no need to worry—I know who you are.”

But Einstein, still searching, looked up and replied with sincerity:

“Yes, I know you know who I am… but I need the ticket because I can’t remember where I’m supposed to get off!”

The story is both humorous and humbling.

Here was a man whose mind pierced through the mysteries of the universe, who developed the Theory of Relativity, forever transforming the way we understand time, space, and gravity.

A man whose intellect reached astronomical heights—yet he forgot something as simple as his train stop.

This moment illustrates something profound: no matter how intelligent or accomplished we may be, we are all forgetful, fragile, and limited.

The Design of Human Imperfection

This story reflects a deeper truth about human nature.

Forgetfulness and carelessness are not just occasional flaws—they are part of who we are.

And perhaps this is why Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gave us ownership of our physical bodies, yet withheld direct control over their essential functions.

Think about it: right now, as you read this, your heart is beating, your lungs are breathing, your kidneys are filtering, your liver is processing, and your brain is firing signals across trillions of neurons—all without your conscious input.

What if we had to manually manage these functions?

Imagine if you had to remember to take every breath…

If you had to consciously trigger each heartbeat…

Would you survive even a few minutes without forgetting?

We forget simple appointments.

We misplace keys.

We can’t recall names, birthdays, or what we walked into a room for.

So how could we be trusted with managing the miraculous machinery that keeps us alive every second?

A Hidden Mercy

This automated biological system is one of the greatest unseen blessings from our Creator.

It runs seamlessly, 24/7, without rest, without complaint.

“Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?”

— Surah Ar-Rahman

Yet, we often fail to appreciate it.

In our arrogance, we credit ourselves for our intelligence and independence.

We forget that even our greatest thinkers, like Einstein, were also vulnerable to the limits placed upon all human beings.

Dependence and Disappointment

Sometimes we turn to other people with expectations that only Allah can fulfill.

We believe someone else can solve our problems, provide for our needs, or heal our wounds.

But people are fallible. They forget, fail, get distracted, or leave.

And when they do, we feel abandoned and disappointed.

But how can we expect unwavering support from another human being—

A being who doesn’t even control the beating of their own heart?

Allah, in His wisdom, didn’t entrust us with managing our bodily systems, so how could we ever fully entrust another person with the workings of our soul or our fate?

The human being is the crown of creation, yet is constantly reminded of his dependence.

He forgets even the most vital truths—like the reality of life and death, or the purpose of his existence.

🤲 A Prayer

O Allah,

Do not make us dependent on anyone but You.

Let us never forget that we are Your servants, created by Your will and sustained by Your mercy.

Guide us to gratitude.

Remind us of our limits, not to shame us—but to anchor us in humility.

And whenever we forget—as we always do—bring us back to the remembrance that: