PAGE 24: READING
Two Geniuses
Two Geniuses
Many people regard Albert Einstein(1879-1955) as one of the 20th century's greatest geniuses. His attempt to explain the working of the universe helped create such things as nuclear energy,space travel and television. The modest Einstein used to say that the only gift he had was curiosity,but stories about him show that he also had a sense of humour. One tells that, as a young man with a growing reputation he received many invitations to go to universities to explain his theories. On these trips, his driver was always the same a man called Hans. Hans often said to him, 'It's a pleasure to drive a genius like you, Dr Einstein One evening, on their way to a remote university, Einstein said'I wish I didn't have to give my lecture tonight, Hans. I'm so tired.But I can't let my audience down, can I? You don't need to said Hans. 'We'll change places and I'll give the lecture for you. I've listened to it dozens of times.I don't understand it but I know it by heart And no one knows you at the university do they? No one will find out. Einstein eventually agreed with Hans, but said to him'Don't try to answer any questions whatever you do. They changed places and at the university Hans was greeted and led to the platform of a great hall crowded with professors and students. Einstein took a seat in the audience listened to Hans give his lecture perfectly and joined in the applause at the end. However, before Hans could get off the platform a professor shouted from the audience'I'd like to ask you a question. It's very difficult but please answer it. He then asked a question so difficult that Hans had no idea what he was talking about. Einstein thought Oh dear, now we're in trouble. But Hans just laughed and said, That's not a difficult question sir. In fact, it's so easy even my driver knows how to answer it. Hans, stand up and ...Einstein stood up and answered the question perfectly They left the university, with Einstein driving. A little later, Hans offered to take over from him. 'No, my friend.'laughed Einstein. 'It's a pleasure to drive a genius like you, Hans.'
两位天才 很多人认为阿尔伯特·爱因斯坦（1879-1955） 是二十世纪最伟大的天才。 他试图解释宇宙运作的原理，对核能 宇宙航行和电视机的发明有很大帮助。 谦虚的爱因斯坦最常说的一句话就是我拥有的唯一天赋就是好奇心 但是他的故事也显示出他是个很有幽默感的人。 有人曾经说过，当一个年轻人拥有持续升涨的名望 他就会收到很多大学请他去讲解他的理论的邀请。 在去大学演讲的路上一直都是同一个人做他的司机，这个人叫做汉斯。 汉斯经常跟他说，“能做您这样一个天才的司机，我感到很高兴，爱因斯坦博士。” 一天夜里，他们正在去一所路途遥远的大学的路上， 爱因斯坦说“我今天晚上不想去做讲座，汉斯。” 我很累。但是我不能让我的观众们失望，不是吗？ 你不用跟他们说你是汉斯。 我们换个讲座地点，在那里我让你来替我做这个讲座。 这个讲座我已经听过很多次了。虽然我不明白是什么意思，但是心里却记下了它的内容。 没有人知道你在这所大学里不是吗？不会有人发现的。 爱因斯坦最后让汉斯妥协了， 但是告诉他，不论你做什么，千万不要回答任何问题。 他们换了个讲座地点，在大学里汉斯受到了热烈欢迎并被引向了 一个挤满了教授和学生的大礼堂的舞台上。 爱因斯坦在观众中坐下，听着汉斯完美地做着讲座 最后和众人一起鼓掌。 然而，就在汉斯准备走下舞台的时候， 以为坐在观众中的教授大声说道：“我想请问您一个问题。” 这个问题很难，但是麻烦您回答我这个问题。 随后，这位教授提出的问题的确很难 以至于汉斯完全不知道他在说什么。 爱因斯坦心想：“天哪，现在我们有麻烦了。” 但是汉斯只是笑笑，并说道：“这个问题一点都不难，先生。 实际上，这个简单的问题我的司机就会回答。” 汉斯站起来然后...爱因斯坦站起来很完美的回答了教授提出的问题 他们离开学校的时候，是爱因斯坦开的车。 走了一阵，汉斯提出要跟爱因斯坦调换回来。 “不用了，我的朋友。”爱因斯坦笑到。 “很高兴能为你这样一位天才开车，汉斯。”