When Albert got in the car tonight I could tell something was wrong.
“You okay?”
“Not really, I’m sick and tired of all these dinners and giving the same talk all the time.”
“Hey, why don’t we trade places tonight. You're somewhat of a recluse. You avoid publicity and they probably don’t know what you look like.”
“But how can you give a talk on such a complicated topic?”
“Are you kidding. I may noy understand it but I’ve heard that talk so many times I could say it in my sleep.”
I gave my driver’s cap and name tag to Albert. We went into the crowded hall and Albert sat in the back while I was escorted to the front. After dinner the emcee introduced Albert and I went up. Up the stairs and to the center of the stage. I looked out across the crowd and it seemed it had tripled in size.
I began the talk and repeated verbatim from memory. I was so pleased with myself. I closed the speech and started to depart the stage when the emcee appeared and threw me a curve.
He said,”Before Mr. Einstein departs, we will open it up for questions and answers. Does anyone have a question for Mr. Einstein?”
“Hey, this never happened before,” I thought.
“Yes, I do.” said a professor from the local university.
I couldn’t even understand the question, let alone know how I should answer it.
I gathered up all my courage, stood as tall as I could and using the most authoritative voice I could muster, I responded, “With all due respect professor, The answer to that question is so elementary, I am going to let my chauffeur, who is sitting in the back, answer it.