Dostoevsky gives me more than any scientist, more than Gauss.
Interpretation
Einstein values the insights of literature and philosophy over pure scientific accomplishments.
In this quote, Albert Einstein expresses his belief that the profound emotional and philosophical insights found in the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky hold greater significance for him than the rigorous mathematical contributions of scientists like Carl Friedrich Gauss. This reflects the idea that human understanding and experience, conveyed through literature, can provide deeper wisdom than the empirical knowledge obtained through scientific inquiry.
In practice
During a lecture on the importance of literature, someone might refer to this quote to highlight the value of philosophical perspectives.
I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
You're going to make decisions that are not in your best financial interest because they make you happier or more fulfilled or because of your values. You're going to do that because you're a good, smart person.
Men say they only learn this but he said that no creature can learn that which his heart has no shape to hold.
While the pressures of life are inevitable, if at the end of the day you are unable to completely let go of the day and return to a calm, centered inner state, you are overstressed.
See the opportunity in the misstep.
The point is not how long you meditate; the point is whether the practice actually brings you to a certain state of mindfulness and presence, where you are a little open and able to connect with your heart essence. And five minutes of wakeful sitting practice is of far greater value than twenty minutes of dozing!
Do as little harm to others as you can; make any sacrifice for your true friends; be responsible for yourself and ask nothing of others; and grab all the fun you can. Don't give much thought to yesterday, don't worry about tomorrow, live in the moment, and trust that your existence has meaning even when the world seems to be all blind chance and chaos. When life lands a hammer blow in your face, do your best to respond to the hammer as if it had been a cream pie.
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