Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist, did have close friends outside of work, and he valued personal relationships throughout his life. One of Einstein's closest friends was Michele Besso, a Swiss engineer and mathematician. Besso and Einstein developed a deep friendship during their time together at the Patent Office in Bern, where they both worked. Their friendship extended beyond professional collaboration, and Einstein often credited Besso as a sounding board for his scientific ideas.
Einstein's correspondence with Besso reflects the personal and emotional aspects of their relationship. In a letter to Besso's family after his death, Einstein wrote, "Now he has again preceded me a little in parting from this strange world. That signifies nothing. For those of us who believe in physics, the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."
Apart from Besso, Einstein had other friends and colleagues with whom he maintained relationships outside of the scientific realm. For example, Einstein was known to have been close friends with the Dutch physicist Paul Ehrenfest and his wife Tatyana Ehrenfest.
While Einstein is often celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to physics, his personal letters and interactions with friends reveal a more human and relational side. The importance of friendships and personal connections in Einstein's life highlights that even individuals of extraordinary intellect and achievements value meaningful relationships outside of their professional endeavors.