Einstein produced more quotable wisdom than almost any scientist in history — and many of the quotes attributed to him are actually misattributed. Here are the real ones, explained.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

This quote comes from a 1929 interview. Einstein's point was specific: knowledge describes what exists; imagination is what generates new possibilities. A scientist who only knows facts can only work within those facts. The breakthroughs come from imagining what hasn't been confirmed yet. Einstein's greatest work — special relativity — began with a thought experiment at age 16, not a laboratory.

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

This one is almost certainly NOT Einstein. It's widely attributed to him but appears nowhere in his writings. It may originate with Twelve Step literature. That said, the idea is sound — and Einstein certainly believed in changing approach when evidence demanded it.

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

Possibly authentic, possibly apocryphal. It appears in a memoir by psychotherapist Frederick S. Perls, who claimed Einstein said it to him. Whether authentic or not, it captures Einstein's dry, self-deprecating humor.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

This one is well-sourced — Einstein wrote it to his son Eduard in 1930. It captures his fundamental attitude: stagnation is the enemy of stability. Movement — curiosity, change, continued effort — is what keeps a life coherent.

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."

From a 1955 LIFE magazine interview. Einstein drew a sharp distinction between achievement measured externally (success) and the kind of person you are to those around you (value). He said this near the end of his life and meant it personally.

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