Only individuals have a sense of responsibility. --Nietzsche

This book does not represent a complete collection of the articles, addresses,

and pronouncements of Albert Einstein; it is a selection made with a definite

object-- namely, to give a picture of a man. To-day this man is being drawn,

contrary to his own intention, into the whirlpool of political passions and

contemporary history. As a result, Einstein is experiencing the fate that so

many of the great men of history experienced: his character and opinions are

being exhibited to the world in an utterly distorted form.

To forestall this fate is the real object of this book. It meets a wish that has

constantly been expressed both by Einstein's friends and by the wider public.

It contains work belonging to the most various dates-- the article on "The

International of Science" dates from the year 1922, the address on "The

Principles of Scientific Research" from 1923, the "Letter to an Arab" from

1930--and the most various spheres, held together by the unity of the

personality which stands behind all these utterances. Albert Einstein believes

in humanity, in a peaceful world of mutual helpfulness, and in the high mission

of science. This book is intended as a plea for this belief at a time which

compels every one of us to overhaul his mental attitude and his ideas.