530 quotes
An autocratic system of coercion, in my opinion, soon degenerates. For force always attracts men of low morality, and I believe it to be an invariable rule that tyrants of genius are succeeded by scoundrels.
Mein Weltbild (1931)
Any one who only knows scientific research in its practical applications may easily come to a wrong interpretation of the state of mind of the men who, surrounded by skeptical contemporaries, have shown the way to kindred spirits scattered over all countries in all centuries.
Religion and Science (1930)
As an eminent pioneer in the realm of high frequency currents... I congratulate you on the great successes of your life's work.
Einstein's letter to Nikola Tesla for Tesla's 75th birthday (1931)
The release of atomic energy has not created a new problem. It has merely made more urgent the necessity of solving an existing one.
I lie on the beach like a crocodile and let myself be roasted by the sun. I never see a newspaper and don't give a damn for what is called the world.
I answer, the man who regards his own life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unfortunate but almost disqualified for life.
The World As I See It (1949)
I believe in intuition and inspiration.
Cosmic Religion : With Other Opinions and Aphorisms (1931)
Possession, outward success, publicity, luxury– to me these have always been contemptible.I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.
Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. You cannot subjugate a nation forcibly unless you wipe out every man, woman, and child. Unless you wish to use such drastic measures, you must find a way of settling your disputes without resort to arms.
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
Viereck interview (1929)
Der Glaube an eine vom wahrnehmenden Subjekt unabhängige Außenwelt liegt aller Naturwissenschaft zugrunde.
If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.
I am convinced that degeneracy follows every autocratic system of violence, for violence inevitably attracts moral inferiors.
What I Believe (1930)
Most of us prefer to look outside rather than inside ourselves; for in the latter case we see but a dark hole, which means: nothing at all.
I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
I regard class differences as contrary to justice and, in the last resort, based on force. I also consider that plain living is good for everybody, physically and mentally.
Mein Weltbild (My World-view) (1931)
My passionate interest in social justice and social responsibility has always stood in curious contrast to a marked lack of desire for direct association with men and women.
What I Believe (1930)
Nevertheless, it is necessary to remember that a planned economy is not yet socialism. A planned economy as such may be accompanied by the complete enslavement of the individual.
Why Socialism? (1949)
It is my conviction that pure mathematical construction enables us to discover the concepts and the laws connecting them, which give us the key to the understanding of the phenomena of Nature.
On the Method of Theoretical Physics (1933)
I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by an educational system which would be oriented toward social goals.
Why Socialism? (1949)