Why is Einstein’s E=MC2 such a big deal that everyone’s heard of it? How important was that discovery actually, is it like in the top 3 most important discoveries of all time or is it kind of overhyped?

Question

Why is Einstein’s E=MC2 such a big deal that everyone’s heard of it? How important was that discovery actually, is it like in the top 3 most important discoveries of all time or is it kind of overhyped?

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Answer 1

E=MC^(2) is only the easiest to understand of Einstein’s works – but some of his other works (specifically: Special and General Relativity) are probably more important.

Technically, none of what Einstein did were “discoveries”. Instead, he built on the work of other scientists, putting together their ideas in new ways that changed how people thought.

I could try to write out those two in an ELI5 way – or I could link an expert: [The Space Doctor’s Big Idea](https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-space-doctors-big-idea-einstein-general-relativity) is Randal Munroe’s explanation of them. E=MC^(2) is a side effect of Special Relativity.

Answer 2

E=MC^(2) is only the easiest to understand of Einstein’s works – but some of his other works (specifically: Special and General Relativity) are probably more important.

Technically, none of what Einstein did were “discoveries”. Instead, he built on the work of other scientists, putting together their ideas in new ways that changed how people thought.

I could try to write out those two in an ELI5 way – or I could link an expert: [The Space Doctor’s Big Idea](https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-space-doctors-big-idea-einstein-general-relativity) is Randal Munroe’s explanation of them. E=MC^(2) is a side effect of Special Relativity.