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Quotable Einstein: An A to Z Glossary of Quotations
An A to Z glossary of quotations from Albert Einstein, the leading scientist of the 20th century, best known for his general theory of relativity and discovery of the equivalence of matter and energy. Drawn from his books, papers and letters, as well as interviews and biographies, covering a wide variety of subjects, from scientific and philosophical to political and personal, arranged alphabetically by topic or keyword. References are included for verification. Edited by Alex Ayres, a Harvard and UCLA-educated writer and editor of the Wit and Wisdom series, whose previous bestsellers include The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain (Harper-Collins) and The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln (Penguin). Einstein represents the acme of modern genius. He was one of the greatest thinkers in history. Why not find out what he thought about all sorts of things? Why not explore the mind of Einstein? Why not use him as a consultant on today's problems? A Quotable Wisdom book. The most wisdom you can get for the money.
3040 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1996
83 people are currently reading
1349 people want to read
About the author
Albert Einstein
904 books9,659 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 21, 2011
I've never read a quote book cover to cover before, but this was a fine way to get an idea of Einstein's views on a range of subjects.
March 2, 2018
"Dumnezeu mi-a dăruit încăpățânarea unui catâr și un miros destul de fin."
November 10, 2018
I learned a lot about Albert Einstein from this book. However, if you want an in-depth explanation of his life, a biography would obviously be the better choice. This is a great source for authentic quotations. Sources are shown along with each one, and it's obvious that much time was spent verifying exact phrasology and authenticity. Great read, although some sections are a bit tedious and repetitious
July 21, 2016
There are many bogus Einstein quotes on the Internet. The editor of this book is claiming to have carefully verified the ones included here. They are very interesting, and on a surprisingly broad range of topics from the essence of science to the politics of Israel.
January 20, 2012
Ternyata, Einstein juga punya sisi romantis :)
Quote yang berkesan bagi saya adalah tentang keingintahuan 'Jangan pernah kehilangan rasa ingin tahu yang suci itu.'
Quote yang berkesan bagi saya adalah tentang keingintahuan 'Jangan pernah kehilangan rasa ingin tahu yang suci itu.'
May 19, 2014
La natura di questo libro potrebbe trarre in inganno, perché non si tratta, come personalmente mi aspettavo, di una raccolta di saggi, ma di un testo composito, messo insieme esclusivamente dagli editori, che hanno raccolto e selezionato una vasta serie di aforismi, appunti, estratti di interviste e lettere personali, sì da restituire nella forma di "pillole" le opinioni di Einstein su una sterminata serie di temi e campi.
Un lavoro discutibile, ma che si può perdonare alla luce dell'immenso lavoro documentario svolto, per il quale ogni estratto non è decontestualizzato, ma accompagnato da dati, fonti e talvolta commenti. Molto adatta risulta dunque l'inevitabile divisione tematica. L'idea sarebbe di quella di rispondere facilmente, sebbene in maniera riduttiva, a una domanda come "cosa ne pensa Einstein di...?". Si trova così Einstein disquisire di politica, arte, musica, fisica, lanciarsi in affermazioni lapidarie su aspetti della vita quotidiana, stigmatizzare il matrimonio, fare satira, o emozionarsi davanti la misteriosa bellezza della Natura. Ne risulta un ritratto composito, che smaschera il Genio e la sua irriducibile umanità, che si coglie anche e soprattutto nelle sue profonde contraddizioni, nelle sue opinioni più controverse. Si scopre un Einstein sempre più misogino, si scopre il suo ambiguo rapporto con gli Stati Uniti (ignorati, derisi, adulati e poi di nuoco criticati), con la patria ebrea, la sua utopia di un governo mondiale, l'esaltazione della libertà e pure il suo (sebbene non convintissimo) sostegno alla pena di morte. Ma su tutti gli infiniti profili di quest'uomo geniale, rimarrà la beata adorazione del mistero della conoscenza.
Un lavoro discutibile, ma che si può perdonare alla luce dell'immenso lavoro documentario svolto, per il quale ogni estratto non è decontestualizzato, ma accompagnato da dati, fonti e talvolta commenti. Molto adatta risulta dunque l'inevitabile divisione tematica. L'idea sarebbe di quella di rispondere facilmente, sebbene in maniera riduttiva, a una domanda come "cosa ne pensa Einstein di...?". Si trova così Einstein disquisire di politica, arte, musica, fisica, lanciarsi in affermazioni lapidarie su aspetti della vita quotidiana, stigmatizzare il matrimonio, fare satira, o emozionarsi davanti la misteriosa bellezza della Natura. Ne risulta un ritratto composito, che smaschera il Genio e la sua irriducibile umanità, che si coglie anche e soprattutto nelle sue profonde contraddizioni, nelle sue opinioni più controverse. Si scopre un Einstein sempre più misogino, si scopre il suo ambiguo rapporto con gli Stati Uniti (ignorati, derisi, adulati e poi di nuoco criticati), con la patria ebrea, la sua utopia di un governo mondiale, l'esaltazione della libertà e pure il suo (sebbene non convintissimo) sostegno alla pena di morte. Ma su tutti gli infiniti profili di quest'uomo geniale, rimarrà la beata adorazione del mistero della conoscenza.
November 14, 2010
My friend Kevin Synder loaned this text to me. Many of the quotations I could have cared less about but some on education, humankind, pacifism etc, I resonated with. Some examples are:
National loyalty is limiting. Men must be taught to think in world terms.
The monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
The state is made for man, not man for the state. The state should be our servant and not we its slaves.
Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.
Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.
If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects.
Only a life lived for others is worthwhile.
The aim of education must be the training of independently acting and thinking individuals who, however, see in the service to the community their highest lift achievement.
It is not so very important for a person to learn facts. For that he does not really need college. He can learn them from books. The value of an education in a liberal arts college is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.
National loyalty is limiting. Men must be taught to think in world terms.
The monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
The state is made for man, not man for the state. The state should be our servant and not we its slaves.
Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.
Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.
If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects.
Only a life lived for others is worthwhile.
The aim of education must be the training of independently acting and thinking individuals who, however, see in the service to the community their highest lift achievement.
It is not so very important for a person to learn facts. For that he does not really need college. He can learn them from books. The value of an education in a liberal arts college is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.
February 12, 2012
Einstein disliked quotations, which he considered a poor attempt to simplify the complexity of mental processes by way of a single statement. He said so, and someone wrote down that idea as a quotation.
Caaprice's selection of Einstein's words in this small anthology is unique in its focus on his personal life. Here you find Einstein philosophizing about how people should treat each other, how we should appreciate undefinable experience, and paying compliments to his predecessors and contemporaries. For example, one of his most interesting theories--perfectly in line with our stereotype of the disinterested scientist wandering blindly through the world of social relationships, by the way--is that he might not have devoted as much time and interest to scientific inquiry had his marriage been happy.
At best, these quotations reveal Einstein the humanist, the man who understands relativity to mean that he was "described in Germany as a 'German savant' and in England as a 'Swiss Jew.'" Unfortunately, these more universal insights are hard to pick out, padded as they are by many mundane statements about his daily life or his admiration for Newton and others.
Caaprice's selection of Einstein's words in this small anthology is unique in its focus on his personal life. Here you find Einstein philosophizing about how people should treat each other, how we should appreciate undefinable experience, and paying compliments to his predecessors and contemporaries. For example, one of his most interesting theories--perfectly in line with our stereotype of the disinterested scientist wandering blindly through the world of social relationships, by the way--is that he might not have devoted as much time and interest to scientific inquiry had his marriage been happy.
At best, these quotations reveal Einstein the humanist, the man who understands relativity to mean that he was "described in Germany as a 'German savant' and in England as a 'Swiss Jew.'" Unfortunately, these more universal insights are hard to pick out, padded as they are by many mundane statements about his daily life or his admiration for Newton and others.
Read
November 27, 2008baru dibeli. terjemahan.
jika tidak kebetulan kali ini mau buka2 halamannya [kebetulan sedang tidak bersampul plastik], saya mungkin akan melewatkannya lagi. cover dan judulnya [dibanding versi asli] kurang saya sukai soalnya. judulnya menjadi : 'einstein juga manusia - kumpulan pendapat einstein tentang segala hal'
*langsung merasa si penterjemah judul jangan2 fans band seurieus*
jika tidak kebetulan kali ini mau buka2 halamannya [kebetulan sedang tidak bersampul plastik], saya mungkin akan melewatkannya lagi. cover dan judulnya [dibanding versi asli] kurang saya sukai soalnya. judulnya menjadi : 'einstein juga manusia - kumpulan pendapat einstein tentang segala hal'
*langsung merasa si penterjemah judul jangan2 fans band seurieus*
January 13, 2009
Not really the sort of book you sit down and read cover to cover, but an invaluable resource for the occasional Einstein quote.
Want to read
May 23, 2012I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11147390
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11147390
May 4, 2013
G o o d !
May 10, 2013
This is the base of every piece of modern physics. Thanks to Einstein, or we will not have it so soon.
February 14, 2016
Gave me a different outlook for Einstein. Great read.
September 15, 2017
Very interesting, it offers some insight into many topics from relationships, religion, education.
October 29, 2023
The foreword really sums up the power of this work: these quotes emphasize Albert Einstein’s humanity. He was a genius who became a major science and pop culture icon but he was also a husband (multiple times), father, brother, musician, philosopher, and more.
This collection is a masterpiece. Thoughtfully compiled and honest with regards to sourcing or missing information. I also like how it provides a list and supporting source information for statements misattributed to Einstein.
Some of my favorites:
“A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth.”
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling, but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”
“I believe in Spinoza’s God who reveals himself in the harmony of all that exists, but not in a God who concerns himself with the fate and actions of human beings.”
“The smile on the faces of the people—is symbolic of one of the greatest assets of the American. He is friendly, self confident, optimistic—and not jealous.”
This collection is a masterpiece. Thoughtfully compiled and honest with regards to sourcing or missing information. I also like how it provides a list and supporting source information for statements misattributed to Einstein.
Some of my favorites:
“A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth.”
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling, but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”
“I believe in Spinoza’s God who reveals himself in the harmony of all that exists, but not in a God who concerns himself with the fate and actions of human beings.”
“The smile on the faces of the people—is symbolic of one of the greatest assets of the American. He is friendly, self confident, optimistic—and not jealous.”
January 13, 2022
„Prin ascendenţă sunt evreu, prin cetăţenie elveţian, iar prin natură o fiinţă umană şi nimic mai mult, fără să fiu legat de vreun stat sau de vreo entitate naţională, oricare ar fi ele.”
„Încă nu m-am înfruptat destul din Pomul Cunoaşterii, deşi în meseria mea sunt obligat să mă hrănesc din el în mod regulat.”
„Când teoria relativităţii e adaptată pe gustul cititorilor, în Germania sunt numit în prezent un savant german, iar în Anglia trec drept un evreu elveţian. Dacă voi ajunge să fiu privit ca o oaie neagră, descrierile se vor inversa, pentru germani voi deveni un evreu elveţian, iar pentru englezi un savant german!”
„Imaginaţia este mai importantă decât cunoaşterea. Cunoaşterea este limitată. Imaginaţia face ocolul lumii.”
„Încă nu m-am înfruptat destul din Pomul Cunoaşterii, deşi în meseria mea sunt obligat să mă hrănesc din el în mod regulat.”
„Când teoria relativităţii e adaptată pe gustul cititorilor, în Germania sunt numit în prezent un savant german, iar în Anglia trec drept un evreu elveţian. Dacă voi ajunge să fiu privit ca o oaie neagră, descrierile se vor inversa, pentru germani voi deveni un evreu elveţian, iar pentru englezi un savant german!”
„Imaginaţia este mai importantă decât cunoaşterea. Cunoaşterea este limitată. Imaginaţia face ocolul lumii.”
October 23, 2021
This is readable enough, but not what I thought I was looking for. Nothing seemed particularly memorable or informative. I am quitting before reading it through.
Einstein turned out to be just as another opinionated person, in some cases just bigoted. He was Jewish in heritage but not in spirit. He was ex-German and biased against Germans in general, forced into exile by being abroad when NAZIs took power.
Nothing about his great theories got into the book, except in passing reference. I must retract this statement, for there is a whole chapter of his statements that I missed. I thought that I might understand these comments, but they turn out to be more theoretical than I can fathom.
Einstein turned out to be just as another opinionated person, in some cases just bigoted. He was Jewish in heritage but not in spirit. He was ex-German and biased against Germans in general, forced into exile by being abroad when NAZIs took power.
Nothing about his great theories got into the book, except in passing reference. I must retract this statement, for there is a whole chapter of his statements that I missed. I thought that I might understand these comments, but they turn out to be more theoretical than I can fathom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
i bought a used copy of this book for my 30 year old PhD son as he seems to like many quotes by Albert Einstein. (his dog is also named Einstein). having said that, i found another used copy and bought it for myself. i found it fascinating, interesting, inspirational. i learned a ton. i read a few pages at a time to better absorb it. it's not the kind of book you sit down and finish in a week. he lived a very cool life and had a lot of great things to say.
October 31, 2022
Quotes from Einstein garnered from public and private sources, arranged generally by subject matter although there is some that could be in multiple categories.
Includes all the familiar ones we have heard and many we have not. An intriguing picture of the man.
Includes all the familiar ones we have heard and many we have not. An intriguing picture of the man.
May 31, 2025
I love this book. I reach for it and just meander through the times this man lived, and the personalities he encountered (and his occasional reactions to them). Entertaining, enlightening, educational and just plain fun.
August 17, 2021
I love this guy. The world needs more Einsteins
April 8, 2023
I did learn a lot about Einstein from his quoted words, but I found bits of it to be beyond my understanding and repetitious. He was a remarkable man.
June 10, 2012
I've read biographies about Albert Einstein. However, I liked this book because it was a collection of quotes by Einstein, his colleagues, and correspondence. It gave the reader insight on his thoughts. I especially like his quotes about knowledge and talent. "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." Einstein and I are alike!!
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited; imagination encircles the world."
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited; imagination encircles the world."
January 1, 2012
Just like the title says, quotes mostly by Albert Einstein, with some quotes about him and some attributed to him but really said by someone else.
November 23, 2012
La curiosità è una piantina delicata che, a parte gli stimoli, ha bisogno soprattutto di libertà.
January 9, 2013
wow gitu
May 31, 2013
A nice collection of quotes by and about Einstein...nothing amazing.
July 17, 2013
A Friends of HHI Library find. A quick fun read of collected comments by a bright, humble and funny genius.
December 17, 2014
good book. too much war shit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews