One might have expected him to excel in mathematics and science, but certainly in his early school years, although he did well, there was no sign of outstanding talent in these subjects. However, towards the end of his school career, his teacher Hermann Müller raised his level of interest in physics and mathematics, and he became deeply impressed by the absolute nature of the law of conservation of energy.
Isa maaaring may inaasahan sa kanya upang manguna sa matematika at agham, ngunit tiyak sa kanyang unang bahagi ng paaralan na taon, kahit na siya ay mabuti, wala ang sign ng natitirang talento sa mga paksa. Subalit, sa huli ng kanyang karera sa paaralan, ang kanyang guro Hermann Müller itataas ang kanyang antas ng interes sa pisika at matematika, at siya ay naging lubhang impressed sa pamamagitan ng lubos ang katangian ng batas ng pag-iimbak ng enerhiya.