Lot 8
  • 8

Einstein, Albert

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Description

Autograph letter, signed "A. Einstein," in German. To Paul Habicht. No place or date but [New Haven, Connecticut: 2 September 1935]



4to, 2 pages, written in green ink, with typed stamped envelope postmarked New Haven, 2 September 1935. Framed with portrait photo.

Catalogue Note

on the economy and communism

He warns his old friend Paul Habicht (1884–1948) that the "odd book" [possibly The World As I See It] is not an accurate view of his political opinions, but was a collection of incidental remarks compiled by strange hands. He expresses agreement with Habicht's views on the situation of the economy, emphasizing the importance of the individual's value as a yardstick to judge theories like communism.
 "So-called Communism is a radical method of which to date no-one
knows whether it will attain its goals or not. There is another possible
road to take: each person could receive a minimal sum to exist on —
no strings attached — small enough so that it wouldn't destroy the
motivation to work. This would keep free enterprise open and steady
progress could be made."

He discusses the problems of technological progress and related unemployment in America, states his view that refusing to do military service has no value but to give an advantage to fascist states, and concludes by assuring his friend that in spite of all the foregoing discussion, his heart and mind are almost entirely occupied with physics.

A complete English translation is included in the lot.