"Albert Einstein. The world as I see it (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

private enterprise, and the part played by the State in this country is,
comparatively, a very restricted one.

The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by
the Prohibition laws. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the
government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be
enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this
country is closely connected with this.

There is also another way in which Prohibition, in my opinion, has led
to the enfeeblement of the State. The public-house is a place which gives
people a chance to exchange views and ideas on public affairs. As far as I
can see, people here have no chance of doing this, the result being that the
Press, which is mostly controlled by definite interests, has an excessive
influence over public opinion.

The over-estimation of money is still greater in this country than in
Europe, but appears to me to be on the decrease. It is at last beginning to
be realized that great wealth is not necessary for a happy and satisfactory
life.

As regards artistic matters, I have been genuinely impressed by the
good taste displayed in the modern buildings and in articles of common use;
on the other hand, the visual arts and music have little place in the life
of the nation as compared with Europe.

I have a warm admiration for the achievements of American institutes of
scientific research. We are unjust in attempting to ascribe the increasing
superiority of American research-work exclusively to superior wealth; zeal,
patience, a spirit of comradeship, and a talent for co-operation play an
important part in its successes. One more observation to finish up with. The
United States is the most powerful technically advanced country in the world
to-day. Its influence on the shaping of international relations is
absolutely incalculable. But America is a large country and its people have
so far not shown much interest in great international problems, among which
the problem of disarmament occupies first place today. This must be changed,
if only in the essential interests of the Americans. The last war has shown
that there are no longer any barriers between the continents and that the
destinies of all countries are closely interwoven. The people of this
country must realize that they have a great responsibility in the sphere of
international politics. The part of passive spectator is unworthy of this
country and is bound in the end to lead to disaster all round.

Reply to the Women of America

An American Women's League felt called upon to protest against
Einstein's visit to their country. They received the following answer.

Never yet have I experienced from the fair sex such energetic rejection
of all advances; or, if I have, never from so many at once.