NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 4 A Truly Beautiful Mind

Class 9 English Chapter 4 A Truly Beautiful Mind:- Chapter 4, "A Truly Beautiful Mind," from Class 9 English, introduces us to the remarkable life of Dr. Albert Einstein, a figure celebrated not only for his groundbreaking contributions to science but also for his profound human qualities. This chapter delves into the personal and intellectual journey of Einstein, highlighting how his inner virtues and exceptional intellect contributed to his legacy. Get all the NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 4 A Truly Beautiful Mind below.

NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 4 A Truly Beautiful Mind

Question 1. Here are some headings for paragraphs in the text. Write the number(s) of the paragraph(s) for each title against the heading. The first one is done for you.

(i) Einstein’s equation – 9

(ii) Einstein meets his future wife

(iii) The making of a violinist

(iv) Mileva and Einstein’s mother

(v) A letter that launched the arms race

(vi) A desk drawer full of ideas

(vii) Marriage and divorce

Answer:

(i) Einstein’s equation – 9

(ii) Einstein meets his future wife – 7

(iii) The making of a violinist – 3

(iv) Mileva and Einstein’s mother – 10

(v) A letter that launched the arms race – 15

(vi) A desk drawer full of ideas – 8

(vii) Marriage and divorce – 11

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Question 2. Who had these opinions about Einstein?

(i) He was boring.

(ii) He was stupid and would never succeed in life.

(iii) He was a freak.

Answer:

(i) He was boring – Einstein’s playmates

(ii) He was stupid and would never succeed in life – Einstein’s headmaster

(iii) He was a freak – Einstein’s mother

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Question 3. Explain what the reasons for the following are.

(i) Einstein leaving the school in Munich for good.

(ii) Einstein wanting to study in Switzerland rather than in Munich.

(iii) Einstein seeing in Mileva an ally.

(iv) What do these tell you about Einstein?

Answer: 

(i) Einstein decided to permanently leave his school in Munich because he was frustrated with the rigid structure and discipline imposed by the institution. His frequent conflicts with his teachers, who were unable to appreciate his unconventional thinking, contributed to his decision to depart.

(ii) Einstein was drawn to the idea of studying in Switzerland rather than Munich due to the more progressive and open-minded atmosphere that Switzerland offered. He believed that the liberal environment there would be more conducive to his intellectual growth and personal freedom.

(iii) Einstein felt a deep connection with Mileva, as she, too, held a critical view of what he termed 'Philistines'—the individuals in his family and at the university who he felt were narrow-minded and resistant to new ideas. This common ground strengthened their bond and understanding of each other’s frustrations.

(iv) These observations highlight that Einstein was a person who cherished personal liberty and embraced progressive ideals. He was someone who valued his independence of thought and had a distinctive perspective on life, seeking environments and relationships that aligned with his beliefs.

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Question 4. What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office? Why?

Answer: Einstein playfully dubbed his desk drawer at the patent office the ‘bureau of Theoretical Physics.’ This nickname reflected his secretive work on groundbreaking physics ideas while handling patent applications. Despite the routine nature of his job, his drawer was a space where he developed and refined revolutionary scientific concepts.

Question 5. Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt?

Answer: Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin Roosevelt to alert him that Germany could develop and deploy an atomic bomb. He warned that such a bomb if detonated in a port, could obliterate the port and significantly damage the surrounding area.

Question 6. How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Answer: The immense destruction wrought by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki left him deeply disturbed. In reaction to the horrifying extent of the devastation, he wrote a public letter to the United Nations. In this letter, he passionately argued for the creation of a world government. His proposal aimed to foster international cooperation and prevent the recurrence of such catastrophic events, believing that a unified global authority was essential for maintaining peace and security in the future.

Question 7. Why does the world remember Einstein as a “world citizen”?

Answer: Einstein is celebrated as a "world citizen" for his active and passionate campaigns to curb the arms race and promote global peace. He used his platform to call for the reduction of military weapons and the establishment of democratic principles worldwide. His commitment to these causes reflected his deep belief in the need for international cooperation and collective action to address global challenges and ensure a more peaceful and just world.

Question 8. Here are some facts from Einstein’s life. Arrange them in chronological order.

[ ] Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.

[ ] He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

[ ] Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and warns against Germany’s building of an atomic bomb.

[ ] Einstein attends a high school in Munich.

[ ] Einstein’s family moves to Milan.

[ ] Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.

[ ] Einstein joins a university in Zurich, where he meets Mileva.

[ ] Einstein dies.

[ ] He provides a new interpretation of gravity.

[ ] Tired of the school’s regimentation, Einstein withdraws from school.

[ ] He works in a patent office as a technical expert.

[ ] When Hitler comes to power, Einstein leaves Germany for the United States.

Answer:

[7] Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.

[9] He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

[11] Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and warns against Germany’s building of an atomic bomb.

[2] Einstein attends a high school in Munich.

[3] Einstein’s family moves to Milan.

[1] Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.

[5] Einstein joins a university in Zurich, where he meets Mileva.

[12] Einstein dies.

[8] He provides a new interpretation of gravity.

[4] Tired of the school’s regimentation, Einstein withdraws from school.

[6] He works in a patent office as a technical expert.

[10] When Hitler comes to power, Einstein leaves Germany for the United States.

Thinking about Language

I. Here are some sentences from the story. Choose the word from the brackets which can be substituted for the italicised words in the sentences.

1. A few years later, the marriage faltered. (failed, broke, became weak).

2. Einstein was constantly at odds with people at the university. (on bad terms, in disagreement, unhappy)

3. The newspapers proclaimed his work as “a scientific revolution.” (declared, praised, showed)

4. Einstein got ever more involved in politics, agitating for an end to the arms build-up. (campaigning, fighting, supporting)

5. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled that he left the school for good. (permanently, for his benefit, for a short time)

6. Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in an uproar. (in a state of commotion, full of criticism, in a desperate state)

7. Science wasn’t the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (interested, challenged, worried)

Ans. 1. A few years later, the marriage became weak. (failed, broke, became weak).

2. Einstein was constantly in disagreement with people at the university. (on bad terms, in disagreement, unhappy)

3. The newspapers declared his work as “a scientific revolution.” (declared, praised, showed)

4. Einstein got ever more involved in politics, campaigning for an end to the arms build-up. (campaigning, fighting, supporting)

5. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled that he left the school permanently. (permanently, for his benefit, for a short time)

6. Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in a state of commotion. (in a state of commotion, full of criticism, in a desperate state)

7. Science wasn’t the only thing that interested to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (interested, challenged, worried)

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II. Study the following sentences.

Complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with suitable participial clauses. The information that has to be used in the phrases is provided as a sentence in brackets.

1. __________, the firefighters finally put out the fire. (They worked round the clock.)

2. She watched the sunset above the mountain, __________ (She noticed the colours blending softly into one another.)

3. The excited horse pawed the ground rapidly, __________ (While it neighed continually.)

4. __________, I found myself in Bangalore, instead of Benaras. (I had taken the wrong train.)

5. __________, I was desperate to get to the bathroom. (I had not bathed for two days)

6. The stone steps, __________ needed to be replaced. (They were worn down).

7. The actor received hundreds of letters from his fans, __________ (They asked him to send them his photograph.)

Answer:- 1. Working round the clock, the firefighters finally put out the fire. (They worked round the clock.)

2. She watched the sunset above the mountain, noticing the colours blending softly into one another. (She noticed the colours blending softly into one another.)

3. The excited horse pawed the ground rapidly, neighing continually. (While it neighed continually.)

4. Having taken the wrong train, I found myself in Bangalore, instead of Benaras. (I had taken the wrong train.)

5. Having not bathed for two days, I was desperate to get to the bathroom. (I had not bathed for two days)

6. The stone steps, being worn down, needed to be replaced. (They were worn down).

7. The actor received hundreds of letters from his fans, asking him to send them his photograph. (They asked him to send them his photograph.)

Class 9 English Chapter 4 A Truly Beautiful Mind Summary

Chapter 4, "A Truly Beautiful Mind," highlights the life and character of Albert Einstein, focusing on his remarkable intellect and moral integrity. It portrays how, despite facing challenges in traditional schooling, Einstein's passion for understanding the universe led him to revolutionary discoveries in physics. His unconventional approach to learning and relentless curiosity were central to his success.

The chapter also emphasizes Einstein's personal qualities, such as his compassion, humour, and dedication to global issues. It recounts his advocacy for peace, his opposition to nuclear weapons, and his call for a world government, demonstrating that true beauty lies not only in intellectual achievements but also in a person's character and commitment to humanity.

Class 9 English Chapter 4 A Truly Beautiful Mind FAQs

Q1. Who is the central figure of Chapter 4, "A Truly Beautiful Mind"?

Ans. The central figure of the chapter is Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist known for his contributions to science and his humanitarian efforts.

Q2. What is the main focus of the chapter?

Ans. The chapter focuses on Einstein's extraordinary intellect, his unconventional approach to learning, and his compassionate nature, emphasizing that true beauty comes from within.

Q3. How did Einstein’s early education impact his later success?

Ans. Einstein’s struggles with the rigid education system highlighted his unconventional thinking and curiosity, which later contributed to his groundbreaking scientific achievements.