Rating: 
Summary: thought provoking
Review: It really suprises me that we were'nt given a chance in highschool to read directly this brilliant man's work. What astounds me most is Einstein's self-chosen, highly principled, ethical force of being-- besides being a revolutionary scientist. All that-- and he was far from self-righteous. Reminds me in parts of Jiddu Krishnamurti's pondering as well.
Rating:
Summary: and you thought he was all physics...
Review: It's undisputed that he was a great man. No scandals are ever going to surface, and say Einstein was really a wife-beater or something stupid that seems to happen in the tabloids to just about everybody famous. :)
Anyway, this book is one good way to get to know him. I think this book works because it takes all sorts of scraps of things he wrote over the course of his life, and not necessarily intending for them to be published in this manner. You can see a very consistent man, with firm principles, and almost sorry that he's all the world had for a hero, even at the same time that he knew it was a role he would have to play. Once he was in the role, he made a point of clearly stating his principles, in the hope that they would effect change. You will see this all, and you will see a kind of melancholy that he must have felt. I think all intelligent people are haunted by the meaning of existence, and he is archetypal for this. At the same time, he seemed to enjoy his life. I wish there were a book that could go deeper, and really tell us what he was like to live with, but those close to him probably respected him too much to want to unveil his private life. I suppose I shall have to respect that as well.
I hate being typical and doing the same thing as everybody, so I have to say, I was surprised that this man who is so respected by the world earned my respect as well. I think he has a message to tell us, and the compilation is well worth reading.
I do feel obligated to inform you of any shortcomings: Albert Einstein has a rather complex writing style, and I don't believe in writing like that. Another issue is that there is much repetition. This might bother you, but realize that this book was never meant to be a book. If he repeats himself, it's simply because he said very similar things to two different audiences, and the editors got ahold of both pieces.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: Reviewer: bugesh from New York United States
Einstein wasn't just a scientist, but a general genious and philosopher. This book offers wonderful insight into one of the greatest minds of the century, if not all time.
the book is a compilation of letters, essays and writings on all sorts of topics. He speaks about his thoughts on America, the world, life, you name it. It interested me that Einstein was an anti-prohibitionist; stating that "any law that cannot be enforced only serves to undermine the authority of the government. it is no secret that this is closely linked to the sharp rise in crime in this country." This could easily be applied to the modern-day drub problem and supports the decriminalization movement. The book is a great companion for anyone who is a fan of Einstein or who considers themselves enlightened (or in need of enlightenment). A big 5 stars!!
Rating: 
Summary: Overall, recommanded.
Review: This book has two parts that I am not sure go togather. In the first part (p. 1-216) the authir presents his views on politics, religion, humanity and other such topics. It was the interest in these topics that prompted me to read the book. In the second part (p. 217-377) Prof. Einstein discusses his analytical work. I must admit that not beeing a Physicist, at times I was not able to follow. For that reason I cannot comment on that part of the book. Overall, I would recommand reading this book if only for its first part.
Rating:
Summary: Important texts from the most famous genius
Review: This is a good book to learn what Einstein really thought. It explains which ideas led him to special relativity as well as general relativity. It explains how important the insights of Maxwell, Lorentz, and Planck were for his physics.
The book also reveals Einstein's opinions about religion and moral values; about peace, governments, human rights, and Nazists; about the nuclear bomb, and about many other topics.
Einstein has revolutionized science several times, but he could not do it indefinitely. The book also illuminates Einstein's understanding of quantum mechanics, the origin of his "paradoxes", and the limitations of his purely classical quest for the unified theory.
Rating:
Summary: Genius Philosophy Stands the Test of Time
Review: This is a rare treasure of a book that will bring you wonderful insights into one of the greatest minds of the last century. Albert Einstein covers a great deal of topics including love, marriage, religion, God, laws and shares insights whose truth genuinely stands the test of time. This book is a brilliant account of his many lectures, letters, and thoughts throughout his own personal life, as well as his role in society. His suggestions, ideas and opinions serve humanity well, and hopefully many more people will take in the brilliance he so graciously gave us. Highly recommended for its outstanding literary and humanitarian contribution. Deserves 10 Stars.
Barbara Rose, author of 'Individual Power' and 'If God Was Like Man'
Rating:
Summary: Inside a genius' mind
Review: This is the best way to understand the way Eintein thought, and what his position was on many issues, from politics and feminism, to science and nuclear energy. It offers great insight and gives understanding of a unique individual named Albert Einstein. Sometimes humorous and sometimes serious, it's a must read for anyone interested in expanding his or her own knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant thoughts from a brilliant man
Review: When I bought this book a few months back, I was under the impression that this book was largely composed of Eistein's political thoughts. I based this on my thinking that science is usually not based in opinion. To my suprise, only about 1/3 of the book discusses Einstein's political opinions of events such as the holocaust, his role in creating the bomb, and pacifism. Einstein also deals with the issues of education, freedom, Judiasm, his home of Germany, and science. EInstein is known for his scienctific thought. I am not much of a science person so I could not really get into Einstein's discussions on science. He may as well have written the discussions in ancient hebrew because they are hard to follow with many of the terms and concepts which I have forgotten since high school and college. Based on Einstein's political thoughts alone, this book is a bargin. Einstein proves that he is not only a brilliant scientist, but he also has his finger on the pulse of humanity. Thank you for your insight Albert!
Rating:
Summary: Insight into the other side of Einstein's great intellect
Review: When the name "Albert Einstein" is mentioned, most people think of his Theories of Relativity, his knowledge in Theoretical Physics, and generally his contributions to the field of physics. But Einstein was a great man, a great thinker, and his intelligence and wisdom reached far beyond that of just physical science. He was a man with lot of ideas and opinions, and his knowledge covers areas such as politics, equality, spiritual matters and relationships on a personal level. In this book he shares this knowledge in his writings, which are easy to read and follow. This is an excellent book that shows the other side of one of the greatest figures in history, and is a must for all who are interested in his thoughts on many aspects of life.
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