The World As I See It

This is an enjoyable, tasteful, thoughtful, collection of various correspondence of Albert Einstein. It is not about scientific matters per se. Rather it is about various social issues. Whether one agrees with his positions or not, it provides one with much fuel for contemplation. It is not lengthy. I was very happy with this collection. I am glad to have read it. Thank You.

I must admit that the only thing I had read of Einstein was, E=mc2. Nonetheless, this collection of his essays and letters demonstrates that he was brilliant in fields afar from physics. His discussion of politics (both domestic and international), economics, the moral decay of pre-WWII Germany, and the inter-relationships between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam were all acute for his era when the internet did not exist (meaning he had to be very well read), and prescient for our modern day issues. The one disheartening thing I found in his letters was that he openly despised men who served in the military. Einstein asserts that such a man is despicable because rather than resort to tools of the mind to resolve conflict, they resort to the violence and the baser nature of man as animal. Being a long serving professional soldier and scholar, I was crestfallen that man I so admired, would demonstrate his despise for me from his grave. Regardless, acknowledging Einsteins pacifism and the German military ethic of the era in which Einstein was familiar, I at least understood his sentiment. The book remains a good read which I recommend to others. Its analysis of all the topics discussed above are short. It serves as a book that one can read in one setting, pick up and put down for later reading, or return to again and again for future reference.

A Very satisfying read, as I knew little about this genius's thoughts and words beyond the fact that he was the author of the Theory of Relativity and somewhat responsible for ushering us into the Atomic Age. It was clearly stated before clicking 'BUY' that all writings regarding hard science had been edited out of this book, so it's not like I wasn't warned. But the editor could have included a short explanatory chapter -- perhaps written by a third party -- that would've given us some insight into what that ground-breaking theory is/was about. And then there's the atomic bomb. There's a huge gap between Einstein's writings regarding pacifism and the unexplained common-knowledge that it was he who whispered into FDR's ear: "We need a WMD"; somehow we just leap-frogged over WWII altogether. But especially satisfying were the paragraphs regarding Einstein's views regarding God, Judaism and organized religion, and world socialism. Apparently much that has been attributed to him (probably by the right -- a group to which I admittedly belong) regarding the existence of God was lifted out of context and spun. To say more about that here would become near to being a spoiler alert, so I'll leave it at that. But I will say this: Einstein's views regarding God and a Supreme Being do not clash with those of Deepak Chopra's, which is probably why you'll find Einstein referenced in several of Deepak's writings. All in all, highly recommended for those who are curious about what made Albert Einstein tick.

This book is interesting primarily as a period piece, and as an insight into Einstein the man. It gives the reader a better understanding of how Einstein saw himself - as a scientist, as a citizen, and as a celebrity - what his thoughts on religion, society, and warfare were, how he saw Europe and America and the differences between them at the time in which he lived. At times he seems broadminded and expansive, at times narrow and naive. His condemnation of the "dull herd" and his dismissal of women seem outdated and unnuanced to the extreme. The book itself is clunkily put together, with no real chapter divisions and no introductions or context given for individual excerpts, only short titles that give some idea of where they come from. This makes for tough reading (and makes one appreciate the often invisible efforts of a good editor!), and gives the book a certain undigested feel. Frequent and sometimes bizarre typos add to this feel.

This book is for my 12 year old son. He likes reading biographies and he found it very interesting. Price is perfect and is an easy book to read.

There is so much enthusiastic discussions within this book. Albert Enstein has so marvelously cover any and all problems facing Judaism within the world. A great work from a great man.

This book is an abridged collection of some of Einstein's letters, speeches, and writings. I did not realize this was an abridged version and it is a quick read. Some of the writings are incredibly interesting and provide insight into this amazing man. Others are just plain boring and add little. The better writings are clearly towards the front of the book and elucidate his humanity and thoughts on topics from God ("I cannot conceive of a God who rewards and punishes his creatures, or has a will of the type of which we are conscious in ourselves." page 16). Knowledge (" . . . lecture-rooms are numerous and large, but the number of young people who genuinely thirst after truth and justice is small." page 16). Nationalism (" . . . the greatest obstacle to international order is that monstrously exaggerated spirit of nationalism which also goes by the fair-sounding but misused name of patriotism." page 60) There are a distracting amount of errors. A couple examples: page 20 ". . . put on uniform and kill and be BILLED (instead of killed)" Page 107 the entire last paragraph is duplicated.

I enjoyed reading about the life history of Albert Einstein and his thoughts on societal issues and life. It gives insight into why he came to some of his conclusions on disarmament, socialism and his dislike for nations and their governments. His views are definitely from an intellectuals prospective (not necessarily rational) and his views on religion were strongly humanitarian. His theory of relativity is discussed and his mathematical genius is nothing short of astounding. I highly recommend.