The German-born physicist Albert Einstein dispensed with many superfluities. He rarely wore socks or suspenders, considering them unnecessary. He wore his hair long so that he could avoid the time-consuming business of trips to the barber. In fact, Einstein’s signature wild hairdo was enhanced by the fact that he likely had a rare genetic condition called “uncombable hair syndrome.”
When he traveled, he stayed with friends or acquaintances instead of at hotels. He rode third-class on the train. The main luxuries he indulged in were simple: good cigars, a pipe, coffee, and musical instruments.
