No, it is not true that Albert Einstein stole the theory of relativity from physicists Hendrik Lorentz and Henri Poincaré. While it is true that Lorentz and Poincaré made significant contributions to the development of the theory of relativity, Einstein's work was original and groundbreaking.
Einstein formulated the theory of special relativity in 1905, introducing the concepts of time dilation, length contraction, and the equivalence of mass and energy (expressed in the famous equation E=mc²). He presented a new understanding of space and time, challenging the classical notions put forward by Isaac Newton.
Hendrik Lorentz and Henri Poincaré were influential physicists of the time who had also made important contributions to the understanding of space and time. Lorentz, in particular, developed the Lorentz transformations, which are crucial mathematical tools in the theory of special relativity. Poincaré made significant contributions to the field of mathematical physics, including the concept of the relativity principle.
However, Einstein's work went beyond the contributions of Lorentz and Poincaré. He formulated the theory of special relativity based on fundamental principles and provided a coherent framework that explained various phenomena, such as the constancy of the speed of light and the breakdown of Newtonian mechanics at high velocities. Einstein's theory of general relativity, formulated in 1915, expanded upon his earlier work and provided a new understanding of gravity.
While Einstein's ideas built upon the work of his predecessors, it is incorrect to claim that he stole the theory of relativity from Lorentz and Poincaré. Einstein's contributions were unique and transformative, leading to a paradigm shift in our understanding of space, time, and gravity. His theories have been extensively tested and confirmed through experiments and observations, solidifying his place as one of the most influential physicists in history.