The Cosmic View of Albert Einstein: Writings on Art, Science, and Peace

162 Pages·2013·6.99 MB·English

by  Albert Einstein

ACCLAIM FOR THE COSMIC VIEW OF ALBERT EINSTEIN
Periodically throughout human history individuals have appeared whose insight
and imagination change our understanding in a way that can only be called
revolutionary. Einstein revolutionized our scientific understanding of space and
time with his use of “thought experiments”, which particularly intrigue me.
These impressive images of the cosmos in which we participate are indeed a
fitting accompaniment to this collection of quotations from his work.
—His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso
1989 Nobel Peace Laureate
The Cosmic View of Albert Einstein is one of the most inspiring books that I
have ever seen. The photographs of the stellar constellations, the galaxies and
the individual stars literally give me goose pimples. I myself cannot understand
the concept of infinity, a notion that has plagued me all my life, and if
contemplated too deeply would literally drive me out of human comprehension.
The quotes of Albert Einstein interdigitated with the absolute wonders of the
universe make the tome a precious and absolutely unique commodity. What a
curious and wonderful man was he, full of the compassion of human kindness
and sagacity. He is in a way a modern day prophet of the likes of Buddha, Jesus
and Gandhi. He knew much but at the same time he recognized that he really
knew and understood little about the cosmic puzzle as he stood in wonder before
it.
—Helen Caldicott M.D.
author, co-founder Physicians for Social Responsibility, named by the
Smithsonian Institute as one of the most influential women of the 20th century
The thoughts and experiences of Albert Einstein on religion, existence and
morality, as revealed in this magnificent volume, are those of a deeply insightful,
moral and intelligent man of the cosmos. It is a vital read for all who wrestle
with the greatest questions and dilemmas of our troubled civilization.
—Edgar Mitchell, D.Sc.
Apollo 14 astronaut, 6th man on the Moon, founder Noetic Institute, author
THE
COSMIC
VIEW
OF
ALBERT
EINSTEIN
edited by WALT MARTIN and MAGDA OTT
STERLING ETHOS and the distinctive Sterling logo are registered trademarks of Sterling Publishing Co.,
Inc.
Compilation © 2013 by Walter Martin and Magda Ott Credits for text in "Notes" and photos in "Image
Credits."
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transmitted in any form or by any means (including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise) without prior written permission from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-4549-0777-0
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In memory of Dr. James Van Allen,
who never lost a holy curiosity
Contents
Foreword
Albert Einstein's Legacy
PART I
Cosmic Religion
Beginnings
The Meaning of Life
Self-Portrait
The World As I See It
PART II
Religion and Science
Morality and Values
Moral Decay
Christianity and Judaism
God
Prayer
Mysticism
PART III
The Individual
Morals and Emotions
Of Wealth
PART IV
The Menace of Mass Destruction
World Peace
Science and Religion
Science and Society
Art and Creativity
Imagination
Curiosity
Nature
Eternal Mystery
The Goal of Human Existence
My Credo
The Religious Spirit of Science
Afterword: We Have Survived Fifty Years
Peace Resources
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Image Credits
THE TRIFID NEBULA Resembling a whimsical character out of Alice in
Wonderland, this Hubble Space Telescope image actually reveals a stellar
nursery being torn apart by radiation from a nearby, massive star. Located
about 9,000 light-years from Earth, the Trifid resides in the constellation
Sagittarius.
T
his is a beautiful book. But it is far more than that. It presents a wealth of
splendid images of the wonders of nature, in their infinite complexity and
enormous dimensions. These images challenge the reader to share in the
fruits of modern astronomy and to grapple with their humanistic significance.
The editors’ perceptive quotations from the writings of Albert Einstein respond
to that challenge. Einstein’s thoughts guide the reader to a profound appreciation
of our universe and to belief in a Divine and Omniscient Power.
James A. Van Allen
discoverer of the radiation belt around
the Earth (called the Van Allen belt)
that creates the polar auroras