Albert Einstein on Understanding
← Back to Albert Einstein ProfileEinstein's observation, "the eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility," likely served as a personal aphorism, possibly inspired by Kant's philosophy on external reality.
“One may say "the eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility."”
“If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.”
“Both churches and universities — insofar as they live up to their true function — serve the ennoblement of the individual. They seek to fulfill this great task by spreading moral and cultural understanding, renouncing the use of brute force.”
Defending Bertrand Russell's controversial appointment, Albert Einstein lauded those who courageously challenge conventional thought, despite facing animosity from less discerning individuals.
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.”
“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. You cannot subjugate a nation forcibly unless you wipe out every man, woman, and child. Unless you wish to use such drastic measures, you must find a way of settling your disputes without resort to arms.”
“You may call me an agnostic, but I do not share the crusading spirit of the professional atheist whose fervor is mostly due to a painful act of liberation from the fetters of religious indoctrination received in youth. I prefer an attitude of humility corresponding to the weakness of our intellectual understanding of nature and of our own being.”