“There are situations that require surgical intervention, despite the fact that I generally denounce the use of knives …” Lengthy letter in which Einstein expresses his position regarding the British policy of appeasement and containment in regards to events in Europe on the eve of the Second World War and predicts the outbreak of war.
[3] pages, paper. 17×13 cm. Autograph, signed with initials. Without date or location. German. English transcript included.
Content: Einstein writes to Karen Stampe Bendix, a Danish journalist who was friendly with the Einsteins. He encourages the journalist, who was then unemployed, and explained that the international economic crisis did not skip over any country. He suggests that she write about past events that relate to current developments. Einstein expresses his disappointment with Britain’s weak reaction to German militancy and extremism, and he posits, in contrast to his pacifist position, that this policy definitely pushes off the war but doesn’t prevent it – a position that eventually proved correct. Some situations demand surgical intervention, despite the fact that he usually denounces the use of knives. With exaggerated optimism, Einstein foresees that Denmark – home of the addressee – will not fall to the Nazis. (It was in fact conquered by the Nazis in 1940.)
Background: Einstein was a pacifist from his youth, and even called himself a “fighting pacifist,” who was prepared to fight and die for peace. He explained that the source of his pacifism was “an instinctive feeling that the murder of human beings is an abominable act.” He expressed his abhorrence of military service and forced drafts. However, beginning in 1933, upon the rise of the Nazi regime, he toned down his views, and felt that there is need to protect oneself, even if this demanded war. This position is expressed in this letter.
Condition: Fine. Fold marks. Minimal stains.
Seven months prior to the first time use of nuclear weapons in a military attack on a civilian population, Einstein prophesies that a surprise attack [through use of nuclear weapons] would decide the fate of the war. In addition, Einstein warns that without the establishment of an international authority, the next world war is ready to erupt. Princeton, January 18 1945 .
Specifications: [1] leaf, typewritten on his letterhead, signed by Prof. Einstein. 28×21 cm. German.
Content: In his response to Dr. Held, Einstein foresees the future face of military battle and the use of atomic weaponary in order to bring an end to the Second World War. This letter was written about seven months before the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the 6th and 9th of August, 1945. At the start of the letter, Einstein strongly replies to Dr. Held – who apparently opposed the establishment of an international authority – that it is forbidden to stop midway, and if this type of organization is not established then the next world war will definitely erupt.
Condition : Very fine condition, fold marks.
Dr. I. W. Held January 18, 1945
2 East 95th St.
New York City
Dear Dr. Held,
Thank you very much for the booklet which, by the way, I had already read a few weeks ago. I don’t think it is bad, but under the present circumstances it missed the point psychologically. Because, if also under the present circumstances the prospect of the creation of an efficient supranational authority is very low, it seems to me an evil thing to work journalistically to bring this endeavor to a standstill. Because if you stop half way, you will already today be assured of the next world war. This is all the more the case, as the modern technological development brings about more and more the pre-emptive war, where the surprise attack is extraordinarily superior to the defense.
With best regards,
A. Einstein
“… Observing that power is in the hands of unrestrained persons … whose power is based on convincing the public and deception, stating that this is true of the dictatorial as well as the democratic system, answering negatively…”
“… honesty and courage of the individual to stand up for his convictions on every occasion is the only essential thing.”
Lengthy letter to Australian pathologist, Dr. Alton R. Chapple, in which Einstein analyzes the reasons why it is impossible to prevent the world from using and continuing to develop ammunition for mass destruction. Princeton, 18.2.1949.
Specifications: [1] leaf, typewritten on stationery, signed by Prof. Einstein. 28×21 cm. English.
Content: Einstein draws a depressing picture of a world controlled by unrestrained people motivated by their lust for power and control. These people lead the public to doom, due to their need for weapons of mass destruction. Philosophers and thinkers cannot prevent the future development of this type of ammunition for three reasons:
1) The already generally known means of destruction are effective enough to bring about total destruction.
2) People really devoted to the progress of knowledge concerning the physical world like Faraday or Rutherford have never worked for practical goals, let alone military goals. And nobody could know in advance what kind of application might be developed on the basis of their discoveries.
3) People of technical skill are so numerous and so dependent economically that they cannot be expected to refuse employment offered them by the state or private industry, even if they were able to clearly recognize that their work will lead to disaster on a world-wide scale…”
Einstein places his only hope on the intellectual and moral independence of groups and honest people brave enough to stick to their values in all situations and to oppose the destructive influences of these ruling powers. Organizations of these types of people could be a helpful influence to some extent.
Condition: Very fine condition, fold marks, aging stains.
Note: This letter is mentioned in Einstein on Peace , New York, 1960, by Otto Nathan and Heinz Norden. The letter that Dr. Alton Chapple sent to Einstein on the 1st of February, 1949 is in the archives of the Hebrew University.
“… I consider the “Society of Friends,” the Quakers, commending the religious community as having the highest moral standards.”
Letter to Australian pathologist, Dr. Alton R. Chapple regarding the Quakers. Princeton, 23.2.1954.
Specifications: [1] leaf, stationery, typewritten and signed by Prof. Einstein. 28×21 cm. English.
Content: “I consider the “Society of Friends,” the Quakers, commending the religious community as having the highest moral standards. As far as I know they have never made any evil compromises and are always guided by their consciences. In international life, especially, their influence seems to me very beneficial and effective.” Einstein also denies the contradiction that Chapple discerned in a letter from five years earlier, mentioning that he does not expect people to refuse to work in research that generates knowledge for the means of mass destruction, writing here that since “the rules applying to a pioneering moral elite can not be expected to be followed by the rank and file.”
Quakers: The Society of Friends is a Christian religious group formed in the 17th century in England by George Fox. The community aimed at purifying the Christian world and generating social reform by creating direct experience with G-d, without clergy or other expressions of church. The members of this group greatly influenced science and industry, relative to their small numbers. Their community is noted for the pursuit of peace and non-violence. Einstein, an ardent pacifist, (though he did not believe in pacifism at any price or in all situations) expresses his appreciation for the Quaker’s approach to ethics, pursuit of peace and non-violence.
Condition: Fine condition, fold marks, aging stains.
https://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/winners-auctions/cloned-images/21220/3/a_ignore_q_80_h_100_c_limit_3.jpghttps://bidspirit-images.global.ssl.fastly.net/winners-auctions/cloned-images/21220/3/a_ignore_q_80_h_100_c_limit_3.jpg “… A cruise in the sea, is an excellent opportunity for maximum calm and reflection on ideas from a different perspective …” Letter from Einstein and his wife Elsa, while they were on the “Oakland” cruise ship on the “Hamburg-America” line, near the shores of Panama. 31.12.1932.
[3] pages. 14×19 cm. “Hamburg-Amerika Linie” stationery. Signed autograph. German. English transcript of the letter included.
Content: Einstein wrote a few lines on one page in which he offers his deep-felt thanks for the generous shipment of fruit that arrived from the couple’s friend, Ms. Stampe. The scientist notes that the benefit of an ocean journey is that it gives one the opportunity for complete relaxation and the ability to think about different ideas from new perspectives. On the second side of the paper, his wife Elsa wrote a lengthy thank-you for the shipment of fruit and discusses the tremendous benefit that her husband got from the trip. “There is no other place where my husband is so relaxed, sweet, serene and detached from routine distractions, the ship carries him far away …” Elsa adds that they have a lot of time to read and to think, and at night they look at the skies and the glittering stars. She concludes with the thought that this world could be so nice, if people would just be a little bit more understanding and logical.
Condition: Very fine. Fold marks.
“… We think of you and are infinitely grateful …” Thank you letter written by Einstein to his friend, Danish journalist Karen Stampe Bendix.
Specifications: [1] page. 21×14 cm. Signed autograph. German. English transcript included.
Content: “Dear Ms. Stampe, It is very nice of you to share the vegetables you grew in your yard. While we enjoy all the good things you sent to us, we think about you and are infinitely grateful. Heartfelt greetings and many thanks. Yours truly, A. Einstein
Condition: Moderate-fine. Fold marks. The letter was professionally restored and reinforced.
[5] letters from Einstein and his secretary Ms. Helen Dukas, 1951-1956.
Specifications:
* [1] leaf, airmail. Printed, German, with Mrs. Dukas’s signature, Princeton, May 3, 1951. Various topics, and regarding Einstein’s agreement for the new school to be named after him and his wife.
* [1] leaf, airmail. Printed, German, with Einstein’s stamp and handwritten signature. Princeton, January 27, 1952. Einstein explains his failure to participate in an important event in Ben Shemen – due to his custom to refrain from participation in organized events, out of fear of being invited to many events.
* [1] paper, airmail, printed, German, with Mrs. Dukas’s signature. Princeton, June 16, 1954. About how hard it is to find a suitable gift for Einstein’s birthday – and raising the suggestion of sending sandals made by Ben Shemen students as his birthday gift.
* [1] leaf, paper. Printed, German, with Einstein’s stamp and handwritten signature. Princeton, March 26, 1955. Einstein thanks the Ben Shemen children for the sandals they sent him and sends his love and greetings.
* [1] leaf, paper. In the handwriting and with the signature of Mrs. Dukas. German. August 16, 1956, Grindelwald. Refusing Dr. L. request to receive some of the deceased Professor Einstein’s personal belongings as a personal memento, due to Einstein’s final wish, both in writing and verbally, not to allow it.
Condition: Fine condition, fold marks. Tiny hole in one of the letters within Einstein’s stamp. Some of the letters have tiny tears along the fold mark.
Letter from Elsa Einstein to Karen Stampe Bendix, and her request not to transfer the letter through Germany. Peacock Inn, Princeton New Jersey, 24.10.1933.
Desription: [1] page, Peacock Inn stationery. 21X14 cm. Accompanied by an original envelope with Princeton stamps, dated 24.10.33. German.
Letter’s content: Library Place, 2 24.10.1933
Dear Mrs. Stampe!
It seems you have buried us for a prolonged time. We have not had a sign of life from you for a year. I often wondered what the reason for your silence was, where you might be, and what your feelings were. I cannot believe that your love for [us] has been lost completely?
We lived in Belgium since our return from America, in a very small place: Coq, near Ostend. Our lives were often disturbed by all the serious events that took place in Germany. I cannot tell you this in detail, it went too far. Please write to Princeton, New Jersey, Library 2 if you receive this letter. But please do not [send your letter] through Germany, rather through England. You must write this [stipulation] in red. Therefore I await your message and then will relate to you in detail.
My children live in Holland and Belgium. We are settled here for five months.
Yours sincerely, Elsa Einstein.
E nvelope’s content: In addition to the Princeton return address, and the addressee’s name and address in Copenhagen, Denmark, the envelope bears the printed inscription: “Via England!” ” Please do not transfer through Germany! ”
Condition: Very fine condition. Fold marks.
