On the Human Side

A prolific and engaging writer, Einstein in his long career corresponded with notables and ordinary people alike. At times he touched on matters of great moment, at other times on everyday things, like advising a young person on a career choice. In a small centennial volume, Albert Einstein, The Human Side (Princeton University Press, $8.95), his onetime collaborator Banesh Hoffmann and his former secretary Helen Dukas have mined some nuggets from his letters in the master's archives at Princeton. A sampler:

On his world renown: With fame I become more and more stupid, which, of course, is a very common phenomenon. There is far too great a disproportion between what one is and what others think one is. With me, every peep becomes a trumpet solo.

To a student having troubles in school: Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I can assure you that mine are still greater,

On idle hours: When I have no special problem to occupy my mind, I love to reconstruct proofs of mathematical and physical theorems that have long been known to me. There is no goal in this, merely an opportunity to indulge in the pleasant occupation of thinking.

On the quest for truth: I know from my own painful searching, with its many blind alleys, how hard it is to take a reliable step, be it ever so small, towards the understanding of that which is truly significant.

On Ms motivations: My scientific work is motivated by an irresistible longing to understand the secrets of nature and by no other feelings. My love for justice and the striving to contribute towards the improvement of human conditions are quite independent from my scientific interests.

On scientists and prayer: Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe--a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble.

To a youngster who apologized for being female: I do not mind that you are a girl, but the main thing is that you yourself do not mind. There is no reason for it.

To a psychotherapist who wanted to psychoanalyze him: I regret that I cannot accede to your request, because I should like very much to remain in the darkness pf not having been analyzed.

To youngsters who gave him a present: Your gift will be an appropriate suggestion to be a little more elegant in the future than hitherto. Because neckties and cuffs exist for me only as remote memories.

To a young relative who missed him during a visit: I hear that you are dissatisfied because you did not see your uncle Einstein. Let me therefore tell you what I look like: pale face, long hair, and a tiny beginning of a paunch. In addition an awkward gait, and a cigar in the mouth--if he happens to have a cigar--and a pen in his pocket or his hand. But crooked legs and warts he does not have, and so he is quite handsome ... It is indeed a pity that you did not see me.

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