Albert Einstein (1879-1955).

Autograph letter signed (with initials, 'A.E.') to Otto Juliusburger, [Princeton], 30 September 1942.

In German, ⅔ page, 278 x 215mm. Envelope. Provenance: Stargardt, 4 July 2000, lot 521 (part of lot).

On the irreparable destruction wrought by the war, and the refuge provided by 'an unwavering pursuit of truth'. Einstein ponders with great sadness the terrible evils of Nazism and the Second World War: 'I believe that we must yet hope to experience a time when something of the unspeakable injustice will be expiated. But all the misery, all the despair, all the senseless destruction of human life can not be repaired'. Hopefully too the message will have been hammered home that 'lies and violation cannot triumph enduringly'. Einstein sees in Juliusburger an exemplar of the benefits of 'an unwavering pursuit of truth. I too owe to this attitude the only true gratification in life. One feels that in the timeless company of people of this sort one has a sort of refuge which no despair and no feeling of hopeless isolation can diminish'. The letter opens with thanks for a very touching message from Juliusburger: 'I know that I do not in the least deserve so much praise, but I am delighted at the heartfelt attitude that shines out of your words'.

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