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The Cosmic View of Albert Einstein: Writings on Art, Science, and Peace
Where does humanity fit in the cosmos? Albert Einstein, one of history's towering scientific geniuses, explores this fascinating subject in a unique anthology-featuring some of his most inspirational writings-illustrated with mind-bending photographs of the universe. Einstein's deep intuitive insight into the workings of nature couple with his probing, philosophical mind. Here, scientists, artists, spiritual seekers, and Einstein fans will discover his beliefs about God, the afterlife, the nature of free will and existence, beauty and creativity, and how we can free ourselves from the delusion of separateness from the universe "by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
15 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Albert Einstein
872 books9,644 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 17, 2019
3.5 stars
It was interesting to read about one of the most famous scientist’s thoughts on our place in the universe. There were glimpses into Einstein’s ethical and philosophical views on the universe, in his own words.
I enjoyed how the novel was richly illustrated with snapshots of intriguing and beautiful parts of our cosmos.
I felt the book was a little slow, heavy and difficult to read though.
It was interesting to read about one of the most famous scientist’s thoughts on our place in the universe. There were glimpses into Einstein’s ethical and philosophical views on the universe, in his own words.
I enjoyed how the novel was richly illustrated with snapshots of intriguing and beautiful parts of our cosmos.
I felt the book was a little slow, heavy and difficult to read though.
September 20, 2013
A joy to possess…
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
This is a beautifully produced little book in which the editors have collected some of Einstein’s thoughts and writings on a diverse range of subjects and put them together with some wonderfully awe-inspiring pictures of the Universe he did so much to explain. But fear not, fellow scientific innocents – there is barely a mention of relativity and nary a formula in sight. Instead, this book introduces us to his convictions and beliefs – about pacifism, the social responsibility of scientists and his desire to see the replacement of the nation state with an overarching world government.
“Technology has also shortened distances and created new and extraordinarily effective means of destruction which, in the hands of nations claiming unrestricted freedom of action, become threats to the security and very survival of mankind. This situation requires a single judicial and executive power for the entire planet, and the creation of such a central authority is desperately opposed by national traditions.”
But most of all the book concentrates on his spiritual views or, as he calls it, his ‘cosmic religion’. The tendency of atheists to quote Einstein’s discoveries as proof that there is no god angered him in his lifetime; and his writings, as given in this book, show that while he didn’t believe in conventional religion – a ‘personal’ God – he was a deeply spiritual man who felt that the harmony and perfection of the universe argued just as much against atheism.
“My religiosity consists of a humble admiration of the infinitely superior spirit that reveals itself in the slight details we are able to perceive of the knowable world with our frail and feeble minds. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.”
The writings the editors have chosen show him as a man who gave the subject of religion and religiosity much thought, and his expressed opinions, while they may not please either the very religious or the extreme atheist, are reasoned and coherent. The given extracts suggest that he believed in a Creator, but one who does not then involve himself in the individual affairs of man – does not punish or reward. As a consequence, man is responsible for his own morality; and that belief feeds into all his other views – of the responsibility of scientists to ensure that their actions do no harm, of the evils of war, of his hatred of militarism.
“Whatever there is of God and goodness in the universe, it must work itself out and express itself through us. We cannot stand aside and let God do it.”
My cynical nature couldn’t prevent me wondering how carefully the extracts had been selected to support the emphasis the editors clearly wished to place on the two main subjects; that science and religion should be able to co-exist – are in fact, co-dependant; and that all nations should give up their atomic weapons. There is an afterward revealingly written by two former co-presidents of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Ron McCoy and Gunnar Westberg. However I have no reason to think that Einstein’s views have been misrepresented and there is a bibliography should any reader wish to look further.
“The unleashed power of the atom bomb has changed everything except our modes of thinking…the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind.”
But while the written content is interesting, (if occasionally a little repetitive), the illustrations are both lavish and superb. Nearly every second page has a glorious colour picture of some aspect of the universe, with a little explanatory note, and there are many double page spreads too. If you'd like to see some pictures of the book, please feel free to visit my blog - the link is below. However my photos do it no justice. The book is beautifully made, with carefully selected typefaces on gorgeous quality paper. I have no choice – I have to use the dreaded words ‘Perfect Christmas Gift’. A joy to possess.
http://fictionfanblog.wordpress.com/2...
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
This is a beautifully produced little book in which the editors have collected some of Einstein’s thoughts and writings on a diverse range of subjects and put them together with some wonderfully awe-inspiring pictures of the Universe he did so much to explain. But fear not, fellow scientific innocents – there is barely a mention of relativity and nary a formula in sight. Instead, this book introduces us to his convictions and beliefs – about pacifism, the social responsibility of scientists and his desire to see the replacement of the nation state with an overarching world government.
“Technology has also shortened distances and created new and extraordinarily effective means of destruction which, in the hands of nations claiming unrestricted freedom of action, become threats to the security and very survival of mankind. This situation requires a single judicial and executive power for the entire planet, and the creation of such a central authority is desperately opposed by national traditions.”
But most of all the book concentrates on his spiritual views or, as he calls it, his ‘cosmic religion’. The tendency of atheists to quote Einstein’s discoveries as proof that there is no god angered him in his lifetime; and his writings, as given in this book, show that while he didn’t believe in conventional religion – a ‘personal’ God – he was a deeply spiritual man who felt that the harmony and perfection of the universe argued just as much against atheism.
“My religiosity consists of a humble admiration of the infinitely superior spirit that reveals itself in the slight details we are able to perceive of the knowable world with our frail and feeble minds. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.”
The writings the editors have chosen show him as a man who gave the subject of religion and religiosity much thought, and his expressed opinions, while they may not please either the very religious or the extreme atheist, are reasoned and coherent. The given extracts suggest that he believed in a Creator, but one who does not then involve himself in the individual affairs of man – does not punish or reward. As a consequence, man is responsible for his own morality; and that belief feeds into all his other views – of the responsibility of scientists to ensure that their actions do no harm, of the evils of war, of his hatred of militarism.
“Whatever there is of God and goodness in the universe, it must work itself out and express itself through us. We cannot stand aside and let God do it.”
My cynical nature couldn’t prevent me wondering how carefully the extracts had been selected to support the emphasis the editors clearly wished to place on the two main subjects; that science and religion should be able to co-exist – are in fact, co-dependant; and that all nations should give up their atomic weapons. There is an afterward revealingly written by two former co-presidents of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Ron McCoy and Gunnar Westberg. However I have no reason to think that Einstein’s views have been misrepresented and there is a bibliography should any reader wish to look further.
“The unleashed power of the atom bomb has changed everything except our modes of thinking…the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind.”
But while the written content is interesting, (if occasionally a little repetitive), the illustrations are both lavish and superb. Nearly every second page has a glorious colour picture of some aspect of the universe, with a little explanatory note, and there are many double page spreads too. If you'd like to see some pictures of the book, please feel free to visit my blog - the link is below. However my photos do it no justice. The book is beautifully made, with carefully selected typefaces on gorgeous quality paper. I have no choice – I have to use the dreaded words ‘Perfect Christmas Gift’. A joy to possess.
http://fictionfanblog.wordpress.com/2...
December 15, 2020
The importance of Religion, or to be more precise, the feeling it can create, is drowned out in today’s age and often thought of as less than. The scientists’ thoughts on the importance of religion and Christianity were refreshing to read in a world that is continually placing less and less importance on what religion is truly trying to share with the world.
“By way of the understanding, he achieves a far reaching emancipation from the shackles of personal hopes and desires and thereby attains that humble attitude of mind toward the grandeur of reason incarnate in existence, and which, in its own profoundest depths, is inaccessible to man. This attitude, however, appears to me to be religious, in the highest sense of the word” - Einstein
I forgot to mention that, yeah, it’s a pretty dense book, but worth it. Gotta focus for this one 😅
“By way of the understanding, he achieves a far reaching emancipation from the shackles of personal hopes and desires and thereby attains that humble attitude of mind toward the grandeur of reason incarnate in existence, and which, in its own profoundest depths, is inaccessible to man. This attitude, however, appears to me to be religious, in the highest sense of the word” - Einstein
I forgot to mention that, yeah, it’s a pretty dense book, but worth it. Gotta focus for this one 😅
August 10, 2017
Curiosity level: There's this mystical curiosity about it...
•
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence." - Albert Einstein
•
This is really an inspirational photobook filled with meaningful bits of essays, quotes and writings by Albert Einstein. It's got beautiful pictures of the galaxies, nebulas and stars
•
Take a peek not only into his mathematical mind, but Einstein's passionate heart for humanity, peace, imagination, religion, and the effect of art. (The length of the book was just right. I'm not a fan of Long quotes and essays in bits and pieces of themes, so any longer and I'd have needed a one-day breather)
•
It's an easy and awe-inspiring book that will warm and open up your mind and heart - ready to see Einstein in a light strongly reminiscent of philosophers and great thinkers?
•
"The most beautiful and most profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead."
•
Suitable for: space lovers, Fans of Albert Einstein, art and science enthusiasts
•
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence." - Albert Einstein
•
This is really an inspirational photobook filled with meaningful bits of essays, quotes and writings by Albert Einstein. It's got beautiful pictures of the galaxies, nebulas and stars
•
Take a peek not only into his mathematical mind, but Einstein's passionate heart for humanity, peace, imagination, religion, and the effect of art. (The length of the book was just right. I'm not a fan of Long quotes and essays in bits and pieces of themes, so any longer and I'd have needed a one-day breather)
•
It's an easy and awe-inspiring book that will warm and open up your mind and heart - ready to see Einstein in a light strongly reminiscent of philosophers and great thinkers?
•
"The most beautiful and most profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead."
•
Suitable for: space lovers, Fans of Albert Einstein, art and science enthusiasts
May 10, 2014
“The cosmic view of Albert Einstein: Writing on art, science and peace” by Walt Martin and Magda Ott is mediocre at best.
The book is comprised of various dribs and drabs of Einstein’s thoughts on various topics suggesting he believed in a natural religion as opposed to one based on anthropomorphic revelation.
There are numerous illustrations of the cosmos throughout which I found quite lame given the rough and dull texture of the paper. This book was designed largely for an audience that doesn’t read, or has a short attention span.
If you are already superficially familiar with Einstein, I would not recommend it.
2 stars out of 5 for Martin and Ott!
The book is comprised of various dribs and drabs of Einstein’s thoughts on various topics suggesting he believed in a natural religion as opposed to one based on anthropomorphic revelation.
There are numerous illustrations of the cosmos throughout which I found quite lame given the rough and dull texture of the paper. This book was designed largely for an audience that doesn’t read, or has a short attention span.
If you are already superficially familiar with Einstein, I would not recommend it.
2 stars out of 5 for Martin and Ott!
February 8, 2014
Very neat book filled with beautiful pictures of the universe. Only detraction was the propaganda in the afterward by International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. Still very much worth the read though.
August 26, 2015
The life of the individual has meaning only insofar as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful. Life is sacred, that is to say, it is the supreme value, to which all other values are subordinate.
February 18, 2019
Einstein is one of my heroes. He closely matched my theological, philosophical, and sense of religious take on life. His views on what God is and isn’t and his take on what true religiosity is especially! A truly exceptional person without a doubt.
July 15, 2014
Read this in english.
December 13, 2014
Bending Space and Time
February 3, 2016
I have very short attention span, so this is really useful for me since it is an easy read and not just a whole chunk of words. However, others may find it "lame" or not "content-heavy".
December 20, 2020
Combination of well chosen writings/quotes from Einstein and absolutely jaw-dropping images, fantastic. Well organized and a great (if not quick) read. I will definitely want to re-read this one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews