Understanding general relativity solely by reading the original papers by Albert Einstein without any prior knowledge of mathematics and physics would be extremely challenging. General relativity is a highly mathematical theory that involves advanced concepts and requires a solid foundation in mathematics and physics to comprehend fully.
Einstein's original papers on general relativity, published in 1915 and subsequent years, are written in a technical and mathematical language that assumes a certain level of familiarity with the subject matter. They contain equations, tensor calculus, and differential geometry, which are essential tools for describing the theory.
To understand general relativity, it is necessary to have a background in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and special relativity. These mathematical subjects provide the necessary tools to grasp the concepts and equations involved in general relativity.
Moreover, general relativity deals with abstract and complex ideas such as the curvature of spacetime, the equivalence principle, geodesics, and the Einstein field equations. These concepts require a conceptual understanding of spacetime, gravity, and the relationship between matter and geometry.
While reading Einstein's original papers can provide insight into his thought process and the development of the theory, comprehending the mathematical and conceptual details without prior knowledge would be extremely difficult. It is recommended to study general relativity through textbooks, courses, or resources specifically designed to introduce the subject gradually, providing the necessary mathematical background and explanations of the fundamental concepts.