We were driving in the car on the motorway. When I introduced the project to him, Gerhard immediately started laughing – he had an answer straight away. “Human stupidity, this is something you can rely on”, he said.

He cited Einstein: “There are two things that are infinite – the universe, and human stupidity. But I am not sure about the universe.”

Well, that is something to believe in. In a way, it can create security. You can outsmart people or rely on your own stupidity as an eternal excuse, as a fundamental human trait. (Just my own stupid thoughts on this.)

In any case, the picture I had in mind was, of course, the famous photography of Einstein sticking out his tongue. I did not find it very original, so I postponed making the smallest until getting a better idea.

But when I met Gerhard again a few weeks later, I asked him whether he had a particular picture in mind. Guess what: He said Einstein sticking out his tongue!

So, here we go. Double confirmation. Maybe we were both too stupid to come up with something more original.

But then, again, a few months later, it suddenly dawned on my that his smallest... could be "ein Stein" (one stone). Because, you know, Einstein. My brilliant brain produced this idea because Gerhard is super interested in stones, and he has a vast collection from all over world.

Here is ein Stein from the collection, which could have been used for his smallest:

But then, a few minutes later, he said he did even have a "Zweistein". A "two-stone". One stone holding another stone. Here is Zweistein from the collection:

I hope I could convince you of Gerhard's belief. I, for my part, am.