We should not assume that experts are the only ones who have a right to express themselves on questions affecting the organization of society.
essays In Humanismby albert Einstein
Ownership of the means of production, on the other hand, carries a power to which the traditional safeguards of our political institutions are unequal.
The economic anarchy of capitalist society as it exists today is, in my opinion, the real source of the evil.
It cannot be doubted that the world crisis and the suffering and privations of the people resulting from the crisis are in some measure responsible for the dangerous upheavals of which we are the witness. In such periods discontent breeds hatred, and hatred leads to acts of violence and revolution, and often even to war.
The adaptation to warlike aims and activities has corrupted the mentality of man; as a result, intelligent, objective and humane thinking has hardly any effect and is even suspected and persecuted as unpatriotic.
I do not believe there is a way in which this deeply entrenched evil can be quickly healed. But until this goal is reached there is no greater satisfaction for a just and well-meaning person than the knowledge that he has devoted his best energies to the service of the good cause.
For there is much truth in the saying that it is easy to give just and wise counsel — to others! — but hard to act justly and wisely for oneself.
Beware of flatterers, especially when they come preaching hatred.
The payment of the worker is not determined by the value of his product.
To act intelligently in human affairs is only possible if an attempt is made to understand the thoughts, motives, and apprehensions of one’s opponent so fully that one can see the world through his eyes.
