I recently discussed with an intelligent and well-disposed man the threat of another war, which in my opinion would seriously endanger the existence of mankind, and I remarked that only a supranational organization would offer protection from that danger. Thereupon my visitor, very calmly and coolly, said to me: "Why are you so deeply opposed to the disappearance of the human race?".
Interpretation
Einstein discusses the existential risk of war and questions the value of humanity's survival.
In this thought-provoking quote, Einstein engages in a dialogue about the potential for devastating global conflict and the role of supranational organizations in mitigating such threats. His visitor's unsettling question challenges the assumption of humanity's inherent worth and invites reflection on the deeper implications of human existence and our responsibilities toward one another in the face of collective danger.
In practice
In a speech addressing global peace, you might quote Einstein to emphasize the importance of international cooperation.
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.
The need for novelty is the characteristic of an alienated gorilla.
The modern patriotism, the true patriotism, the only rational patriotism is loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it.
Extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones, but by contrary extreme positions.
She had lived her early years as though she were waiting for something she might, but never did, become.
One of the reasons why fundamentalists are so aggressive in trying to promote fundamentalism is because deep down they know it's arbitrary. If you're comfortable with your belief you don't need to convince other people to agree with you.
These sociologists who talk to facilely about the sacred are like a man who keeps a toothless old circus lion around the house in order to experience the thrills of the jungle.
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