No outsmarting Einstein

One day, Einstein has to speak at an important science conference. He has a driver who takes him to all of these functions, and it happens that the driver resembles Einstein.

On the way to this next meeting, Einstein says, “I’m sick of all these conferences. I always say the same things over and over!”

The driver agrees. “You’re right. You know I always come in and watch your presentations, and even though I don’t know anything about science, I’ve heard you speak so many times that I believe I could give the presentation myself.”

“That’s a great idea!” says Einstein. “Let’s switch places then!”

So the driver reluctantly switches clothes with Einstein, and Einstein finishes the drive to the conference. As soon as they arrive, the driver dressed as Einstein goes onstage and starts giving the usual speech, while the real Einstein, dressed as the car driver, sits in the back listening.

In the crowd, though, is a scientist who wants to impress everyone with his knowledge, so he thinks of a very difficult question to ask Einstein. Once he poses the question, the whole room goes silent as everyone considers this puzzler, waiting for the response.

The imposter Einstein looks him dead in the eye and says, “Sir, your question is so easy that I’m going to let my driver answer it for me.”

Lisa Denton