In 1954, Einstein wrote a letter to the editor, published in a New York City magazine. In the letter, he was quoted:
“If I would be a young man again and had to decide how to make my living, I would not try to become a scientist or scholar or teacher. I would rather choose to be a plumber or a peddler in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances.”
He had felt that there was something not quite right about being paid to teach physics. He thought there was more honor in working with one’s hands and creating useful systems. He also valued the independence of a tradesman, along with enough free time to explore physics.
He was given a working card and an honorary membership in the Chicago local 130 Plumbers and Steamfitters union on Nov. 12, 1954. Although he never was reported to have worked as a plumber, he was pleased with his new title.
There are many Einstein Plumbing companies in the U.S. They exist as a chain of service centers on the West Coast, in Oregon and Washington. Einstein’s Plumbing is based in New York City. Similar companies exist in New Jersey, and New Hampshire. So quite a few entrepreneurs are capitalizing on Einstein’s comment.
-Deb at Jake the Plumber
