Product Description

To the majority of people Einstein's theory is a complete mystery. Their attitude towards Einstein is like that of Mark Twain towards the writer of a work on mathematics: here was a man who had written an entire book of which Mark could not understand a single sentence. Einstein, therefore, is great in the public eye partly because he has made revolutionary discoveries which cannot be translated into the common tongue. We stand in proper awe of a man whose thoughts move on heights far beyond our range, whose achievements can be measured only by the few who are able to follow his reasoning and challenge his conclusions. There is, however, another side to his personality. It is revealed in the addresses, letters, and occasional writings brought together in this book. These fragments form a mosaic portrait of Einstein the man. Each one is, in a sense, complete in itself; it presents his views on some aspect of progress, education, peace, war, liberty, or other problems of universal interest. Their combined effect is to demonstrate that the Einstein we can all understand is no less great than the Einstein we take on trust.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #948132 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .59" h x 6.37" w x 9.26" l, .68 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

Review

About the Author

From AudioFile
The twentieth century's most brilliant scientific thinker shares his views on the meaning of life, governments, economics, disarmament, war, and Judaism. Written mostly in 1932, these short pieces are affecting mainly because they predate WWII, the Holocaust, Israeli-Palestinian wars (Einstein thought they should get along), and the European Common Market. Zimbalist's warm, familiar voice has become raspy with age but retains clarity and authority. He makes no attempt to impersonate Einstein; he merely let the scientist's thoughts speak for themselves. Einstein's letter resigning from the Prussian Academy of Science because of the political climate in Germany (and Hitler had not yet even come to power) and the answer, suggesting that he is spreading false rumors of atrocities, are chilling in hindsight. If the production is not entirely successful, it's due to the lack of overall organization and an introduction. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine