A nice sense of duty

This comes from page 514 of "Einstein" by Walter Isaacson.

Einstein's search for a unified field theory was proving to be futile. But Einstein never regretted his dedication to it. When a colleague asked him one day why he was spending - perhaps squandering - his time in this lovely endeavor, he replied that even if the chance of finding a unified field theory was small, the attempt was worthy. He had already made his name, he noted. His position was secure, and he could afford to take the risk and expend the time. A younger theorist, however could not take such a risk, for he might thus sacrifice a promising career. So, Einstein said, it was his duty to do it.

I think this is amazing. The way Walter Isaacson puts it, Einstein was like a lotus leaf in water, affecting it, but never wetted by it - this is exemplified by instants where Walter says Einstein was always amused by the world, and was mostly a spectator than a participant in it.