Einstein's general theory of relativity, which he published in 1915, did face some initial challenges and skepticism in its early years. There were several reasons why it was not immediately accepted or considered in its own time:
Paradigm Shift: Einstein's theory of general relativity presented a significant departure from classical Newtonian mechanics and introduced a new way of understanding gravity. It proposed that gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime, rather than being a force acting at a distance. This was a radical departure from the established Newtonian framework, and it took time for scientists and the scientific community to grasp and accept this new perspective.
Experimental Verification: Initially, there were limited experimental tests and observational evidence to support the predictions of general relativity. Einstein's theory made several groundbreaking predictions, such as the bending of light around massive objects and the gravitational redshift. These predictions were not easy to confirm at the time, and it took several years for experimental observations, such as the famous 1919 solar eclipse expedition led by Arthur Eddington, to provide empirical evidence supporting Einstein's theory.
Mathematical Complexity: General relativity is a highly mathematical theory that involves complex equations and concepts, such as tensor calculus and differential geometry. Its mathematical complexity made it difficult for many physicists and mathematicians of the time to fully understand and appreciate the theory. This contributed to a lack of immediate acceptance and limited the number of researchers who could work on it effectively.
World War I and Political Turmoil: Einstein published his theory of general relativity during the tumultuous period of World War I. The war and its aftermath created a disruptive environment that diverted attention and resources away from scientific pursuits. Many physicists and scientists were preoccupied with wartime activities and other pressing concerns, which hindered the dissemination and study of Einstein's theory.
Despite these initial challenges, over time, experimental evidence, including subsequent observational verifications and the development of technology, such as precise measurements and advancements in astronomical observations, further supported Einstein's theory of general relativity. Its acceptance gradually grew, and it is now considered one of the cornerstones of modern physics.