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Letters to Solovine, 1906–1955
A provocative collection of letters to his longtime friend and translator that spans Einstein’s career and reveals the inner thoughts and daily life of a transformative genius
From their early days as tutor and scholar discussing philosophy over Spartan dinners to their work together to publish Einstein’s books in Europe, in Maurice Solovine, Albert Einstein found both an engaged mind and a loyal friend. While Einstein frequently shared his observations on science, politics, philosophy, and religion in his correspondence with Solovine, he was just as likely to express his feelings about everyday life—his health and the effects of aging and his experiences in the various places where he settled and visited in his long career. The letters are both funny and frank, and taken together, reflect the changes—large and small—that took place over a half century and in the remarkable life of the world’s foremost scientist. Published in English alongside the German text and accompanied by facsimile copies of the original letters, the collected Letters to Solovine offers scholar and interested reader alike unprecedented access to the personal life of Albert Einstein. This authorized ebook features a new introduction by Neil Berger, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Albert Einstein, which includes rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
From their early days as tutor and scholar discussing philosophy over Spartan dinners to their work together to publish Einstein’s books in Europe, in Maurice Solovine, Albert Einstein found both an engaged mind and a loyal friend. While Einstein frequently shared his observations on science, politics, philosophy, and religion in his correspondence with Solovine, he was just as likely to express his feelings about everyday life—his health and the effects of aging and his experiences in the various places where he settled and visited in his long career. The letters are both funny and frank, and taken together, reflect the changes—large and small—that took place over a half century and in the remarkable life of the world’s foremost scientist. Published in English alongside the German text and accompanied by facsimile copies of the original letters, the collected Letters to Solovine offers scholar and interested reader alike unprecedented access to the personal life of Albert Einstein. This authorized ebook features a new introduction by Neil Berger, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Albert Einstein, which includes rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1987
36 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Albert Einstein
881 books9,648 followersSpecial and general theories of relativity of German-born American theoretical physicist Albert Einstein revolutionized modern thought on the nature of space and time and formed a base for the exploitation of atomic energy; he won a Nobel Prize of 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
His paper of 1905 formed the basis of electronics. His first paper, also published in 1905, changed the world.
He completed his Philosophiae Doctor at the University of Zurich before 1909.
Einstein, a pacifist during World War I, stayed a firm proponent of social justice and responsibility.
Einstein thought that Newtonion mechanics no longer enough reconciled the laws of classical mechanics with those of the electromagnetic field. This thought led to the development. He recognized, however, that he ably also extended the principle to gravitational fields and with his subsequent theory of gravitation in 1916 published a paper. He continued to deal with problems of statistical mechanics and quantum theory, which led to his explanations of particle theory and the motion of molecules. He also investigated the thermal properties of light, which laid the foundation of the photon.
Best known for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2, dubbed "the world's most famous equation," he received "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect". The latter was pivotal in establishing quantum theory.
He visited the United States when Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933 and went not back to Germany. On the eve of World War II, he endorsed a letter, alerting Franklin Delano Roosevelt, president, to the potential development of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type" and recommending that the United States begin similar research. This recommendation eventually led to the Manhattan project. Einstein supported defending the Allied forces but largely denounced the idea of using the newly discovered nuclear fission as a weapon. Later, with Bertrand Russell–Einstein manifesto highlighted the danger of nuclear weapons.
After the rise of the Nazi party, Einstein made Princeton his permanent home as a citizen of United States in 1940. He chaired the emergency committee of atomic scientists, which organized to alert the public to the dangers of warfare.
At a symposium, he advised:
("Science, Philosophy and Religion, A Symposium," published by the Conference on Science, Philosophy and Religion in their Relation to the Democratic Way of Life, Inc., New York, 1941).
In a letter to philosopher Eric Gutkind, dated 3 January 1954, Einstein stated:
(The Guardian, "Childish superstition: Einstein's letter makes view of religion relatively clear," by James Randerson, May 13, 2008)
Great intellectual achievements and originality made the word "Einstein" synonymous with genius.
The institute for advanced study in Princeton, New Jersey, affiliated Einstein until his death in 1955.
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_E...
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobe
His paper of 1905 formed the basis of electronics. His first paper, also published in 1905, changed the world.
He completed his Philosophiae Doctor at the University of Zurich before 1909.
Einstein, a pacifist during World War I, stayed a firm proponent of social justice and responsibility.
Einstein thought that Newtonion mechanics no longer enough reconciled the laws of classical mechanics with those of the electromagnetic field. This thought led to the development. He recognized, however, that he ably also extended the principle to gravitational fields and with his subsequent theory of gravitation in 1916 published a paper. He continued to deal with problems of statistical mechanics and quantum theory, which led to his explanations of particle theory and the motion of molecules. He also investigated the thermal properties of light, which laid the foundation of the photon.
Best known for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2, dubbed "the world's most famous equation," he received "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect". The latter was pivotal in establishing quantum theory.
He visited the United States when Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933 and went not back to Germany. On the eve of World War II, he endorsed a letter, alerting Franklin Delano Roosevelt, president, to the potential development of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type" and recommending that the United States begin similar research. This recommendation eventually led to the Manhattan project. Einstein supported defending the Allied forces but largely denounced the idea of using the newly discovered nuclear fission as a weapon. Later, with Bertrand Russell–Einstein manifesto highlighted the danger of nuclear weapons.
After the rise of the Nazi party, Einstein made Princeton his permanent home as a citizen of United States in 1940. He chaired the emergency committee of atomic scientists, which organized to alert the public to the dangers of warfare.
At a symposium, he advised:
"In their struggle for the ethical good, teachers of religion must have the stature to give up the doctrine of a personal God, that is, give up that source of fear and hope which in the past placed such vast power in the hands of priests. In their labors they will have to avail themselves of those forces which are capable of cultivating the Good, the True, and the Beautiful in humanity itself. This is, to be sure a more difficult but an incomparably more worthy task... "
("Science, Philosophy and Religion, A Symposium," published by the Conference on Science, Philosophy and Religion in their Relation to the Democratic Way of Life, Inc., New York, 1941).
In a letter to philosopher Eric Gutkind, dated 3 January 1954, Einstein stated:
"The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honorable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this."
(The Guardian, "Childish superstition: Einstein's letter makes view of religion relatively clear," by James Randerson, May 13, 2008)
Great intellectual achievements and originality made the word "Einstein" synonymous with genius.
The institute for advanced study in Princeton, New Jersey, affiliated Einstein until his death in 1955.
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_E...
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobe
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 21, 2014
An interesting collection showing the longterm relationship with Einstein's good friend and intellectual partner over the course of his lifetime. Weaves together threads of how Einstein viewed world events and how his work was received by broader audiences, as well as views into how he worked through complex concepts informally with a trusted confidant. A short and worthwhile read to understand how a great analytic mind operates.
October 17, 2016
This was an interesting glimpse into the mind of Einstein through his letters to his friend, Solovine. I was expecting to find some deeper revelations. But they never came in this short book.
November 14, 2016
Cool to see what a nice, loyal guy Einstein was. He also appears very conscious of himself, meaning he knew his faults and addressed them without denial or shame. It seems he was very good at practicing humility.
August 25, 2017
This was a short but interesting book. It provided some insight into Einstein the person. Sticking to the facts with minimal additional material, the book provided a unique glimpse into the man behind the historical figure.
January 6, 2012
A nice short read. Was able to finish in three hours. The books contain letters of Einstein to his close friend Solovine.
August 23, 2014
A little insight into the humanity of a great man. A nice read.
October 12, 2016
Enlightening
I enjoyed reading these letters and getting to know Einstein a little. I didn't know much about him before. I'm glad I do now.
I enjoyed reading these letters and getting to know Einstein a little. I didn't know much about him before. I'm glad I do now.
November 17, 2016
"In one of the articles the sad feeling of loneliness is attributed, amusingly enough, to old age instead of to youth."
December 7, 2016
Enjoyed reading these letters a whole lot!!!
January 19, 2023
การได้อ่านจดหมายจากไอน์สไตน์ถึงโซโลวีเนอหลังจบหนังสือของไอแซคสันเป็นอะไรที่ลงตัวมาก นึกภาพตามได้เป็นฉาก ๆ ทีเดียว ผมไม่ขอแนะนำเล่มนี้ให้คนที่ไม่เคยอ่านชีวประวัติของไอน์สไตน์มาก่อนเลยนะครับ เพราะอาจทำให้ไม่ได้อรรถรสเต็มที่ เนื่องด้วยจดหมายไม่ได้แทรกบริบทเอาไว้ อย่างตอนไอน์สไตน์เขียนบอกโซโลวีเนอว่าเขาไม่อยากไปอเมริกา แต่ที่ต้องไปนั้นเป็นเพราะเป็นสิ่งที่เขาทำได้เพื่อพี่น้องชาวยิวผ่านกิจการของกลุ่มไซออนิสต์ ถ้าเรารู้ประกอบกับเบื้องลึกเบื้องหลัง รู้ถึงที่มาคำเชิญจากโทรเลขของไวซ์มันน์ซึ่งบลูเมนเฟลด์อ่านให้ไอน์สไตน์ฟัง เราก็จะยิ่งรับรสความห่วงใยอันสูงส่งกว่ามาตรฐานคนทั่วไป และเป็นความละเอียดอ่อนซึ่งเราสัมผัสได้ผ่านเนื้อความที่ไอน์สไตน์เขียนถึงเพื่อนสนิทในกลุ่มโอลิมเปียอะคาเดมีมากขึ้นไปอีก หรือความคิดที่เขามีต่อสันนิบาตแห่งชาติระหว่างช่วงปี 1923-24 หรือความหวาดผวาหลังเหตุการณ์ลอบสังหารรัฐมนตรีกระทวงต่างประเทศ Rathenau รวมถึงบรรยากาศของลัทธิต่อต้านยิวที่ทวีความรุนแรงขึ้นในเยอรมัน "I fear that this epidemic of hatred and violence will become widespread. I rises like a torrent until the upper layers are isolated, distressed, demoralized and engulfed by the flood." (ข้อความจากวันที่ 23 เมษายน 1933 ดูจะใช้บรรยายบางเหตุการณ์ของบ้านเมืองเราช่วง พ.ศ. ไม่กี่ปีนี้ได้เหมือนกันเนอะ) การทำตัวแบบเดิมกับเพื่อนก็เป็นอีกด้านที่เห็นชัด "You write to me so politely--as if you had never herded pigs with me and done other things with me when we both still young." (Aug 29, 1946) แล้วการป็นเพื่อนรักนี่มีความหมายขนาดไหนสำหรับไอน์สไตน์ "I am very happy because of you and because we can see each other once again in this best of all possible worlds and talk about all possible things." (Oct 5, 1946) และจำนวนหนึ่งเป็นจดหมายคุยงานเกี่ยวกับการใช้คำและความหมายของคำในการแปล อันที่จริง พูดได้ว่ามีจดหมายฉบับหนึ่งที่ไม่ได้เขียนให้โซโลวีเนอโดยตรงแต่ถูกรวมไว้ในเล่มนี้ นั่นคือจดหมายที่ไอน์สไตน์เขียนถึงโอลิมเปียอะคาเดมี (ขึ้นว่า "To the immortal Olympia academy, ... Though somewhat decrepit, we still follow the solitary path of our life by your pure and inspiring light; ..." คำว่า you[r] คือ [ของ]โอลิมเปียอะคาเดมี)
รู้สึกมีอภิสิทธิ์ชอบกลเหมือนคนที่ได้แอบอ่านจดหมายชาวบ้าน (สารภาพว่าบางฉบับก็ skim through)
โซโลวีเนอเป็นชาวโรมาเนียมาเรียนปรัชญาที่เบิร์นและเห็นประกาศรับสอนพิเศษของไอน์สไตน์ (ทดลองเรียนฟรี) จึงไปตามที่อยู่ที่ระบุในประกาศ แค่ครั้งแรกทั้งคู่ก็คุยกันถูกคอแล้ว หลังจากครั้งที่สาม ไอน์สไตน์จึงบอกโซโลวีเนอว่า "คุณไม่จำเป็นต้องเรียนพิเศษหรอก แค่มาหาผมตอนที่คุณอยากมา ผมยินดีคุยด้วย" นอกจากโซโลวีเนอ ยังมีเพื่อนสนิทของไอน์สไตน์อีกคนชื่อฮาบิชท์ ทั้งสามรวมหัวกันตั้งสภาวิชาการกำมะลอ (แต่รายการหนังสือที่อ่านและกิจกรรมแลกเปลี่ยนความคิดนั้นจริงจัง) ชื่อ โอลิมเปีย อะคาเดมี
รู้สึกมีอภิสิทธิ์ชอบกลเหมือนคนที่ได้แอบอ่านจดหมายชาวบ้าน (สารภาพว่าบางฉบับก็ skim through)
โซโลวีเนอเป็นชาวโรมาเนียมาเรียนปรัชญาที่เบิร์นและเห็นประกาศรับสอนพิเศษของไอน์สไตน์ (ทดลองเรียนฟรี) จึงไปตามที่อยู่ที่ระบุในประกาศ แค่ครั้งแรกทั้งคู่ก็คุยกันถูกคอแล้ว หลังจากครั้งที่สาม ไอน์สไตน์จึงบอกโซโลวีเนอว่า "คุณไม่จำเป็นต้องเรียนพิเศษหรอก แค่มาหาผมตอนที่คุณอยากมา ผมยินดีคุยด้วย" นอกจากโซโลวีเนอ ยังมีเพื่อนสนิทของไอน์สไตน์อีกคนชื่อฮาบิชท์ ทั้งสามรวมหัวกันตั้งสภาวิชาการกำมะลอ (แต่รายการหนังสือที่อ่านและกิจกรรมแลกเปลี่ยนความคิดนั้นจริงจัง) ชื่อ โอลิมเปีย อะคาเดมี
August 6, 2024
“You write to me so politely—as if you had never herded pigs with me and had done other things with me when we were both still young.”
December 26, 2023
A neat book the catalogs many letters from Albert Einstein to his pupil and from, Maurice Solovine. I loved seeing the affection and softer side of Einstein through his letters, especially when discussing the people around him. I think the book would’ve been helped by more context or the author’s letters to Einstein, as at time you are left without a larger understanding of what is occurring. However, it was still enjoyable to read Einstein’s own words.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews