The difference between general relativity (primarily Einstein's accomplishment) and quantum mechanics (developed through contributions from dozens of physicists including Planck, Einstein, Rutherford, Bohr, de Broglie, Heisenberg, Schrödinger, Dirac, and others) demonstrates that the 'great man theory' is not characteristic of how physics is usually done; quantum mechanics involved many necessary pieces from many contributors.

factualpending

Speaker

Sean Carroll

Evidence Quote

think about the difference between the development of quantum mechanics for example versus general relativity. General relativity was Einstein's great accomplishment... But quantum mechanics... [extensive list of contributors]

Source

Sean Carroll: Einstein’s most radical thoughtBig Think
Created: 8/11/2026, 7:47:10 AM

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