Letters to Conrad Habicht

Albert Einstein

1905

Bern, Thursday [18 or 25 May 1905]

Dear Habicht,

Such a solemn air of silence has descended between us that I almost feel as if I am committing a sacrilege when I break it now with some inconsequential babble. But is this not always the fate of the exalted ones of this world?

So, what are you up to, you frozen whale, you smoked, dried, canned piece of…

Please login or register for free access to Posen Library
Register
Already have an account?
Engage with this Source

Creator Bio

Albert Einstein

1879–1955

Winner of the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921, Albert Einstein was the most renowned scientist of the twentieth century. He was recruited to the Zionist movement in 1921 by Chaim Weizmann. As the political climate in Europe deteriorated in the interwar years, Einstein increasingly devoted time to the fight against fascism, the refugee problem, and the Zionist cause. In 1952, he was offered, but declined, the presidency of the State of Israel.

You may also like

Assimilation and Anti-Semitism

When an intimidated individual or a careerist among my brethren feels inclined or forced to identify himself as a son of his forefathers, then he usually describes himself—provided he was not baptized…
View Source

Zakhor: Jewish History and Memory

The Hebrew Zakhor—“Remember”—announces my elusive theme. Memory is always problematic, usually deceptive, sometimes treacherous. Proust knew this, and the English reader is deprived of the full force…
View Source

Ghost Stories

Superimposed upon my face in the mirror is my mother’s. I am about to comb my hair, but here she is, brushing hers, her thick, wavy, white hair. We quarrelled about hair. “D…
View Source