“I was originally supposed to become an engineer but the thought of having to expend my creative energy on things that make practical everyday life even more refined, with a loathsome capital gain as the goal, was unbearable to me.”
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Attribution note
No reliable primary or scholarly source confirms this exact wording as Albert Einstein's. It is widely circulated under his name and is listed as commonly attributed.
Likely origin: The Ultimate Quotable Einstein
About this quote
This wording, beginning "I was originally supposed to become an engineer but the…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on originally, supposed, become. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to science and creativity.
When to use it
- Use "I was originally supposed to become an engineer but the…" in a science discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of originally with supposed in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.