Albert Einstein's letters dismiss the idea that his theories were "twaddle"
London, Oct 11 : German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein's letters, which
dismiss the notion that his theories are hard to understand, are to be auctioned on
October 16.
In the letters, Einstein had written about his views on how to deal with an aggressive
Russia after the Second World War.
They dismiss the idea that his theories are "twaddle" or nonsense.
Psychoanalyst Walter Marseille, who was Einstein's correspondent, had also promoted an
idea for a world government, in a paper entitled 'A Method to Enforce World Peace', which
he sent to the scientist and to the philosopher Bertrand Russell.
"Better to let Russia see that there is nothing to be achieved by aggression but there
are advantages in joining [a world government]: then the Russian regime's attitude will
probably change and they will take part without compulsion," the Guardian quoted the
correspondence to Marseille in 1948 Einstein had written.
He followed the first letter with a diplomatic approach on the attitude of
Russians.
"The attitude of the Russians, it seems to me, clearly shows that they are deeply
concerned about the military-industrial situation, and that they would be prepared to make
considerable concessions if some degree of relaxation was permitted," he had written.
"In my view it is much better, both morally and practically, to attempt to bring about
a state of affairs in which the Russians, out of pure self interest, find it preferable to
give up their separatist position," a third letter had stated.
Simon Luterbacher, who is handling the sale for Bloomsbury Auctions, said that the four
letters to Marseille offered a great insight into Einstein's thoughts on world
affairs.
"I think Einstein was much more open to the suggestion that you could make a deal, or
you could learn to live with what was the USSR," he said.
Luterbacher said that the letters were not grandstanding by the great physicist.
"He viewed them as private correspondence. They were not for global publicity so he's
just expressing his opinions," he added.
The auction will take place in London, and Luterbacher expects the Wils letter to fetch
6,000 to 8,000 pounds, and the four Marseille letters to make up to 6,000 pounds.
--ANI
