Albert Einstein Was Much More Than a Scientist!
By webreporter on May 14, 2008 in BRAIN FOOD
The word genius and the name has been synonymous for as long as I can remember. He is best known for his theory of relativity, and its scientific equation E = mc2 and receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 and is one of the recognized people in history, especially after being named Time magazine’s “Person of the Century” in 1999.
As the father of relativity, his previously known views on religion have been more ambivalent and fuelled much discussion, made the comments in response to a philosopher in 1954. As a Jew himself, Einstein said he had a great affinity with Jewish people but said they "have no different quality for me than all other people". 
Albert Einstein described belief in God as "childish superstition" and said Jews were not the chosen people, in a letter to be sold in London this week, an auctioneer said Tuesday.
"The word God is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish.
"No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this," he wrote in the letter written on January 3, 1954 to the philosopher Eric Gutkind, cited by The Guardian newspaper.
The German-language letter is being sold Thursday by Bloomsbury Auctions in Mayfair after being in a private collection for more than 50 years, said the auction house's managing director Rupert Powell.
In it, the renowned scientist, who declined an invitation to become Israel's second president, rejected the idea that the Jews are God's chosen people.
"For me the Jewish religion like all others is an incarnation of the most childish superstitions," he said.
"And the Jewish people to whom I gladly belong and with whose mentality I have a deep affinity have no different quality for me than all other people."
And he added: "As far as my experience goes, they are no better than other human groups, although they are protected from the worst cancers by a lack of power. Otherwise I cannot see anything 'chosen' about them."
Previously the great scientist's comments on religion -- such as "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind" -- have been the subject of much debate, used notably to back up arguments in favour of faith.
Powell said the letter being sold this week gave a clear reflection of Albert Einstein's real thoughts on the subject. "He's fairly unequivocal as to what he's saying. There's no beating about the bush," he told AFP.
8 Comment(s)
By David Goodman on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Granted the man was a genius but it doesn’t neccessarily follow that his utterances particularly in relation to God are correct and the benchmark for the rest of humankind to follow.Michael it is human nature to want to broadcast a viewpoint which reflects your own but can you not see that that stance lends itself to lack of balance.
You’re the guy with the website dispensing commentary on a wide range of topics…thats a position of power and you owe it to youself and your readers to at least look at the contra view
By Michael Lang on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
David, I agree that being an expert in one field does not necessarily mean the expert’s views on other issues shoulf be given any “extra” weight becuase of their notoriety.
One of the reasons why I am interested in Einstein’s views on religion is that he is a “scientist” who, as a scientist, uses unique criteria to examine the universe and other metaphysical questions.
I do take what is published in TLR very serious with the primary criteria being that I do stay open to all viewpoints, especially those that contradict my own.
Michael Lang
Publisher
By David Goodman on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Michael the last paragraph in your reply is at odds with your headliner “authoritative commentary”. I guess I’ve got to nail my colors to the mast here. You clearly have difficulty with the concept of a higher power as indicated by your admiration of George Carlin(among other things).I do not. Unlike him I do not tend to rubbish and deride,for the entertainment of the masses, things I don’t understand. But hes had his 71 years to make up his mind(and with the benifit of a well developed intellect)and for him the die is cast.
Back to matters relating to ‘authoritative’ The God you don’t belive exists (correct me if I’m wrong)doesn’t need me to justify Him but
I do accept the Bible as authoritative and in particular John 14.6….The term ‘all’ doesn’t leave a lot of room for negotiation.
The Jews are ‘chosen’(Someone had to be and no special privileges have flowed from that as of right) and the history of the nation is a microcosm for humanity. When they obey God they are blessed ,when they don’t they are cursed.Simple as that.They are currently being blessed and restored and that is a work in progress.I watch with great interest the process.
By David Goodman on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Sorry… got that reference wrong in para two line three of mine of 25.3.2008. Please read Matthew 28.18 in place of John 14.6
By Michael Lang on Jun 29, 2008 | Reply
David, your comments are respected, noted and published however you do not have my permission to lecture me on my soul and it health and/or well-being.
My views are and will continue to be expressed here at The Lang Report. If you are interested in my thinking, it can be found at: http://www.thelangreport.com/religion-or-lack-of/you-cant-beleive-everything-you-readespecially-in-the-bible
Michael Lang
Publisher
By David Goodman on Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
Lecture you! get a grip son. That is an unkind interpretation and an unneccessary put down.
Please I am interested in your thoughts.Tell me about the origins of earth the planets and space, evolution,time and the meaning of eternity…come along Michael don’t clam up on me now….I’m trying not to be judgemental here
By Michael Lang on Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
David, I appreciate your desire for an intelligent discussion on the topics you mentioned and I am not the type to “clam up,” however I will have to decline your invitation. My dedication to TLR and other activist activities does not give me the time to enter into individual discussions or debates.
I will try to continue to address your future comments to the best of my ability.
Michael Lang
Publisher
By David Goodman on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
Activist activties is pretty vague Michael.If that involves accumulation of firearms can I recommend galil,uzi and desert eagle.That way at least you’ll be assisting the homeland economy.
Me …I’m going fishing