Listen To Albert Einstein Express His Admiration For Mahatma Gandhi

Two of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century interacted with each other. And here's what they said.

By TBI Team

October 1, 2015

Two of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century interacted with each other. And here’s what they said.

Source: Openculture.com

Einstein’s Letter. Year: 1931

Albert Einstein sent a letter to Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1931, expressing admiration for him. The letter in German is below:

and it translates as:

Respected Mr. Gandhi

I use the presence of your friend in our home to send you these lines. You have shown through your works, that it is possible to succeed without violence even with those who have not discarded the method of violence. We may hope that your example will spread beyond the borders of your country, and will help to establish an international authority, respected by all, that will take decisions and replace war conflicts.

With sincere admiration,

Yours

(Signed, ‘A. Einstein’)

I hope that I will be able to meet you face to face some day.

To this, Gandhi had the following reply:

LONDON,

October 18, 1931

DEAR FRIEND,

I was delighted to have your beautiful letter sent through Sundaram. It is a great consolation to me that the work I am doing finds favour in your sight. I do indeed wish that we could meet face to face and that too in India at my Ashram.

Yours sincerely,

(Signed, ‘M. K. Gandhi’)

Translation source: Letters of Note

Einstein’s Speech. Year: 1950

Here is a clipping of Einstein speaking about the Mahatma:

Transcript:

I believe that Gandhi’s views were the most enlightened of all the political men of our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit: not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).

Similar Story

Netaji Bose’s Favourite Eatery Has Been Serving Traditional Delicacies for Over 100 Years

The Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel in Kolkata, started by Mangobindo Panda, is a century-old pice hotel where Indian freedom fighters like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose would enjoy Bengali delicacies.

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201 ₹501 ₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?