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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
3 stars because the selection is questionable, and little context is felt. It is an old book and no doubt there are better selections available now - particularly as in 2014 a large previously unseen collection of his papers were released free online. Go read the 4-page title-essay "The World as I See It".
Saying that, these essays are a delightful window into the mind of a peaceful, simple, kind, and smart man. It's a part of Einstein you might hear about - but here we have it actually laid out by the man himself, in very short (1-3 page), easily digested essays.
It's a four part book - and the first is easily the best. I would happily skip many of the essays in the other two sections as they repeat too much. I recommend skipping an essay when it feels like it's repeating - particular concerning disarmament and Zionism.
The best essay is probably the title one, found on the first page, in which can be found his defining quote: "I am strongly drawn to the simple life and am often oppressed by the feeling that I am engrossing an unnecessary amount of labour of my fellow-men. I also consider that plain living is good for everybody, physically, and mentally."
Other nice quotes:
"Previous generations have presented us, in a highly developed science and mechanical knowledge, with a most valuable gift which carries with it possibilities of making our life free and beautiful such as no previous generation has enjoyed."
"Any social organism can become psychically distempered just as any individual can, especially in times of difficulty"
Saying that, these essays are a delightful window into the mind of a peaceful, simple, kind, and smart man. It's a part of Einstein you might hear about - but here we have it actually laid out by the man himself, in very short (1-3 page), easily digested essays.
It's a four part book - and the first is easily the best. I would happily skip many of the essays in the other two sections as they repeat too much. I recommend skipping an essay when it feels like it's repeating - particular concerning disarmament and Zionism.
The best essay is probably the title one, found on the first page, in which can be found his defining quote: "I am strongly drawn to the simple life and am often oppressed by the feeling that I am engrossing an unnecessary amount of labour of my fellow-men. I also consider that plain living is good for everybody, physically, and mentally."
Other nice quotes:
"Previous generations have presented us, in a highly developed science and mechanical knowledge, with a most valuable gift which carries with it possibilities of making our life free and beautiful such as no previous generation has enjoyed."
"Any social organism can become psychically distempered just as any individual can, especially in times of difficulty"
Einstein is one of the most recognised names in history but little is known of his thoughts of fields outside that of physics. This book gives a look into his thoughts, speeches, letters and notes on a wide variety of topics such as philosophy, utopianism, disarmament, international science, society, nationalism, race, finance and religion. Einstein’s thoughts on these topics not only show his progressiveness even by today’s standards, but also give him a tinge of humanity given the almost mythic-like aura that he has developed over the last century. An incredibly worthwhile and insightful read into a phenomenal mind.
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Albert Einstein is a scientific genius and his scientific achievements have led him to be considered one of the most influential physicists in the 20th century. Einstein's "The World as I See It" is a broad overview of his philosophies on religion, war, life, science, and politics. Emerging from one of the worst wars ever fought in human history, Einstein's philosophies are approached with idealism and hope for peace and harmony amongst man. He believes in the individual spirit and the advancement in science in technology as a means of achieving peace. I don't agree with all of what Einstein said and his philosophical writing should be approached with the same criticism and examination that one would approach any other writing. Some of what Einstein proposes is based on his observations and not on vigorous study. For example, he suggests the happiness of Americans can be seen in photographs, but that is no different than a contemporary suggesting a couple is in a healthy relationship based on their Instagram posts. Einstein tackles an array of topics with dignity and the ambition of an idealistic future through disarmament and the pursuit of science. Albert Einstein's, "The World as I See It," is a compelling read and insight into one of the greatest minds to ever live, but should be read as opinions of an idealistic man and not exhibited to the world in a distorted form.
3 stars
Einstein was a great scientist, but a sub-par philosopher.
I, like most Americans, grew up hearing the wondrousness and ingenuity of Einstein. I figured that this genius ability would translate over to his political and philosophical beliefs. Unfortunately, Einstein's writings here read like something of a layman's understanding of the world. I understand that his intended audience was not a highly technical elite, but I do think that in these speeches and essays he tends to come off as out of his depth.
I do think Einstein had good intentions with the things he wrote. He genuinely wanted world peace and genuinely detested nationalism. Though, I do think there are holes and contradictions in his view of the world; this results from a lack of knowledge in the complex subject of international relations. Einstein argues fervently for a world government. I don't necessarily disagree with him—I just think he's preaching to the choir and has no actual idea of how to resolve international disputes. His calls for cooperation fell on silent ears; history has shown us at least this much. I'm currently reading Essays in Humanism and it seems to demonstrate a more fleshed out understanding of the international system (perhaps he grew a little wiser during the wartime years).
There are a couple things that Einstein says in the book that rubs me the wrong way. He speaks of "civilized people", while omitting any discussion of the implied "uncivilized people". His (often Eurocentric) knowledge of history, such as the notion that one man discovered fire, is outdated and reeks of modernist oversimplicity. Furthermore, he appears to believe that more centralized societies are on a "higher level" than decentralized societies.
I'd like to take a moment to mention Einstein's perspective on Zionism. I did not go into the book knowing that Einstein was a Zionist. While I don't agree with his stance, I do think he has a more tempered and conciliatory approach to the Jewish Question than other prominent Zionists. I actually like that he emphasizes the shared cosmopolitan history of Palestine and encourages cooperation among the indigenous Arabs and the settling Jewish population. Despite this, I can't seem to shake the obtuse colonialist language he uses in his writings.
This quote is one of many that implies Palestine was underdeveloped and would greatly benefit (read: White Man's Burden) from the Western immigrants coming in and setting up a more centralized social system. He repeatedly refers to Palestine as a project of "construction" that must be undertaken. In his view, he saw this as beneficial to Arabs and Jews. While this may have been true in some narrow contexts, it is the same argument made by the British, the French, the Americans, the Belgians, the Spanish, the Portuguese, the Germans, and the Dutch in their abhorrent colonial endeavors. We can see from the eventual political outcome that Einstein's language here is no exception, and instead stands in line with the rest of the colonial history. He even uses the word "colonizing" to describe the Zionist effort in Palestine. What's more, even though he spends the entire book trashing nationalism and arguing for its dissolution worldwide; however, when it comes to "Jewish nationalism"—as he puts it—he makes an exception because he fears that without it they would live among "intolerant, narrow-minded, and violent people". This is one moment where Einstein's ignorance of international politics shines through his words; for if it wasn't his nation, he would've been all for the elimination of nationalism. What Einstein failed to realize in his political writings was that the argument for Jewish nationalism is not any different than the argument for French, German, American, English, or Arab nationalism. All nationalism is a perceived effort to preserve (in Einstein's words) a "race's...dignity and health".
I did enjoy Einstein's meditations on science and religion (to an extent), and I think he did have good ideas for the world and properly used his platform to communicate them. He, like all other humans, was a product of his time; we must analyze and study him from that angle. I think he was a great figure with an externally-imposed inflated sense of importance.
Einstein was a great scientist, but a sub-par philosopher.
I, like most Americans, grew up hearing the wondrousness and ingenuity of Einstein. I figured that this genius ability would translate over to his political and philosophical beliefs. Unfortunately, Einstein's writings here read like something of a layman's understanding of the world. I understand that his intended audience was not a highly technical elite, but I do think that in these speeches and essays he tends to come off as out of his depth.
I do think Einstein had good intentions with the things he wrote. He genuinely wanted world peace and genuinely detested nationalism. Though, I do think there are holes and contradictions in his view of the world; this results from a lack of knowledge in the complex subject of international relations. Einstein argues fervently for a world government. I don't necessarily disagree with him—I just think he's preaching to the choir and has no actual idea of how to resolve international disputes. His calls for cooperation fell on silent ears; history has shown us at least this much. I'm currently reading Essays in Humanism and it seems to demonstrate a more fleshed out understanding of the international system (perhaps he grew a little wiser during the wartime years).
There are a couple things that Einstein says in the book that rubs me the wrong way. He speaks of "civilized people", while omitting any discussion of the implied "uncivilized people". His (often Eurocentric) knowledge of history, such as the notion that one man discovered fire, is outdated and reeks of modernist oversimplicity. Furthermore, he appears to believe that more centralized societies are on a "higher level" than decentralized societies.
I'd like to take a moment to mention Einstein's perspective on Zionism. I did not go into the book knowing that Einstein was a Zionist. While I don't agree with his stance, I do think he has a more tempered and conciliatory approach to the Jewish Question than other prominent Zionists. I actually like that he emphasizes the shared cosmopolitan history of Palestine and encourages cooperation among the indigenous Arabs and the settling Jewish population. Despite this, I can't seem to shake the obtuse colonialist language he uses in his writings.
"The opportunity is presented to us of setting up centers of civilization which the whole Jewish people can regard as its work. We nurse the hope of erecting in Palestine a home of our own national culture which shall help to awaken the near East to new economic and spiritual life."
This quote is one of many that implies Palestine was underdeveloped and would greatly benefit (read: White Man's Burden) from the Western immigrants coming in and setting up a more centralized social system. He repeatedly refers to Palestine as a project of "construction" that must be undertaken. In his view, he saw this as beneficial to Arabs and Jews. While this may have been true in some narrow contexts, it is the same argument made by the British, the French, the Americans, the Belgians, the Spanish, the Portuguese, the Germans, and the Dutch in their abhorrent colonial endeavors. We can see from the eventual political outcome that Einstein's language here is no exception, and instead stands in line with the rest of the colonial history. He even uses the word "colonizing" to describe the Zionist effort in Palestine. What's more, even though he spends the entire book trashing nationalism and arguing for its dissolution worldwide; however, when it comes to "Jewish nationalism"—as he puts it—he makes an exception because he fears that without it they would live among "intolerant, narrow-minded, and violent people". This is one moment where Einstein's ignorance of international politics shines through his words; for if it wasn't his nation, he would've been all for the elimination of nationalism. What Einstein failed to realize in his political writings was that the argument for Jewish nationalism is not any different than the argument for French, German, American, English, or Arab nationalism. All nationalism is a perceived effort to preserve (in Einstein's words) a "race's...dignity and health".
I did enjoy Einstein's meditations on science and religion (to an extent), and I think he did have good ideas for the world and properly used his platform to communicate them. He, like all other humans, was a product of his time; we must analyze and study him from that angle. I think he was a great figure with an externally-imposed inflated sense of importance.
informative
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Bit of an upgrade from the random quotes you can pick here and there from Albert Einstein.
A fine collection nonetheless of Einstein's essays and addresses.
Doesn't offer much illumination into Einstein, the man, for that I think a biography is in order, still offers insights on some of his opinions and ideas on science, religion, justice, social status, the universe and the meaning of life.
Much of the pieces here though were written in his later stages, would've loved to read more of his reflections as a young man. Nothing beats the ramblings of a teenager. I don't know, maybe it's just me who finds too refined the thoughts of old men, not that there's anything wrong with refinement. lol.
A fine collection nonetheless of Einstein's essays and addresses.
Doesn't offer much illumination into Einstein, the man, for that I think a biography is in order, still offers insights on some of his opinions and ideas on science, religion, justice, social status, the universe and the meaning of life.
Much of the pieces here though were written in his later stages, would've loved to read more of his reflections as a young man. Nothing beats the ramblings of a teenager. I don't know, maybe it's just me who finds too refined the thoughts of old men, not that there's anything wrong with refinement. lol.
If it had been longer, the rating may have gone down, but as it was, it was short enough that it was easy to get through and painted a picture of this well-known historical figure.
My favorite parts were some surprisingly sweet sentimental letters. In particular, his ending to a group of Japanese schoolchildren: "...I, an old man, greet you... from afar and hope that your generation may some day put mine to shame." There is another reply to a young woman, "I have read about sixteen pages of your manuscript and it made me- smile." This same letter goes on to be somewhat dismissive of her plight, an attitude which seems to show up a lot in his treatment of women, but for some reason I really love that he put that dash in there for dramatic effect. There is also a section in which he discusses Americans and his admiration for them but also his discomfort in being treated as celebrity which is slightly endearing.
The book overall talks about his Socialist-leaning and pacifist ideals, and his love for his Jewish community. His feelings on disarmament are summed up pretty perfectly with this passage: "...we are concerned with an objective that cannot be reached step by step. As long as the possibility of war remains, nations will insist on being perfectly prepared militarily as they can..." He was also staunchly opposed to compulsory military service and unchecked nationalism. He was also a strong supporter of the Zionist Movement at the time and working together with Muslims in Palestine to achieve this.
I was surprised to see an opinion, printed prior to the year 1949, similar to those raised today in support of Universal Basic Income- "The fact is that since the amount of work needed to supply everyone's needs has been reduced through the improvement of technical methods, the free play of economic forces no longer produces a state of affairs in which all the available labor can find employment." This is not a new issue!
Overall, the portrait that was given here of this man lives up to a quote from the opening paragraph- "..the man who regards his own life as meaningless is not merely unfortunate but almost disqualified for life." Not an opinion in these days which I am used to hearing, and refreshing.
My favorite parts were some surprisingly sweet sentimental letters. In particular, his ending to a group of Japanese schoolchildren: "...I, an old man, greet you... from afar and hope that your generation may some day put mine to shame." There is another reply to a young woman, "I have read about sixteen pages of your manuscript and it made me- smile." This same letter goes on to be somewhat dismissive of her plight, an attitude which seems to show up a lot in his treatment of women, but for some reason I really love that he put that dash in there for dramatic effect. There is also a section in which he discusses Americans and his admiration for them but also his discomfort in being treated as celebrity which is slightly endearing.
The book overall talks about his Socialist-leaning and pacifist ideals, and his love for his Jewish community. His feelings on disarmament are summed up pretty perfectly with this passage: "...we are concerned with an objective that cannot be reached step by step. As long as the possibility of war remains, nations will insist on being perfectly prepared militarily as they can..." He was also staunchly opposed to compulsory military service and unchecked nationalism. He was also a strong supporter of the Zionist Movement at the time and working together with Muslims in Palestine to achieve this.
I was surprised to see an opinion, printed prior to the year 1949, similar to those raised today in support of Universal Basic Income- "The fact is that since the amount of work needed to supply everyone's needs has been reduced through the improvement of technical methods, the free play of economic forces no longer produces a state of affairs in which all the available labor can find employment." This is not a new issue!
Overall, the portrait that was given here of this man lives up to a quote from the opening paragraph- "..the man who regards his own life as meaningless is not merely unfortunate but almost disqualified for life." Not an opinion in these days which I am used to hearing, and refreshing.
I listened to this out of a selection of audiobooks on a long flight - it was interesting, a series of letters and writings from Albert Einstein about politics and economics, etc. Since it was a collection of writings, it was a little disjointed from time to time, but I enjoyed hearing Einstein's thoughts on the world.