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.
A successful man is he who receives a great deal from his fellow men, usually incomparably more than corresponds to his service to them. The value of a man, however, should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A truly successful person is defined by their generosity and contributions rather than what they receive from others.
In this quote, Albert Einstein emphasizes that genuine success is measured not by the material gains or recognition one accrues, but rather by the extent to which one gives and serves others. He suggests that a man's worth is fundamentally rooted in his ability to enrich the lives of those around him, rather than simply being a measure of what he is able to take from the world. By prioritizing giving over receiving, one cultivates a deeper sense of fulfillment and impact on society.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech to inspire generosity in a community.
More from Albert Einstein
All quotes →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.
Similar quotes
Look at what caused people to make a lot of money and you will see that usually it is in proportion to their production of what the society wanted.
The extra pass and the extra effort on defense always get the job done.
Talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling
It is a grand thing to rise in the world. The ambition to do so is the very salt of the earth. It is the parent of all enterprise, and the cause of all improvement.
No one came to our neighborhoods with stand-up jobs and showed us there's a different way. Maybe, had I seen different role models, maybe I'd've turned on to that.
Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.