In a Significant and Newly Discovered Letter, Albert Einstein, Expressing His Vision of Humanity and What Makes “Life Worthwhile”

The letter, which speaks to Einstein's own values and motivations in life, also shows that his life was informed by the Talmud and Jewish lore

Einstein's legacy is more than simply scientific.  It is moral and philosophical.  Since even before he died, people have looked to understand what motivated him, what he regarded as special and important, and what he most valued.  The search to better understand Einstein continues today.   

These are the only two times we can find where Einstein made a statement on what made life worthwhile, what he regarded as most important in life.  

The first time, in one of the great quotes ever recorded of Einstein, he told the New York Times in 1932: “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." He meant, of course, that helping and serving others was the most fulfilling part of life.  

The second time, in 1951, he amplified on this topic in an important way, indicating that life was worthwhile so long as some people tried to do good.  

The existence of this new and broadened definition of what makes life worthwhile was unknown.

Typed letter signed, on his embossed letterhead, in English, Princeton, August 24, 1951, to Mrs. Elsie Anthes. “I was really moved by your letter. It is true that the number of people striving ardently for the right and the worthwhile things is small. But the existence of these few is what makes life worthwhile.” This letter as acquired from the heirs of the recipient and it has never been offered for sale before.  It is laden with significance about Einstein’s view of life and the far-reaching value he placed on good people in its overall scheme.

Until now, there has been no record of the existence of this important letter nor Mrs. Anthes’ letter that generated it. We have informed the Einstein Papers of its discovery, and they are “astonished” to see it, and conjecture that Einstein must have had a substitute secretary that day, and she threw away the Anthes letter and failed to retain a copy of Einstein’s reply. Unfortunately, the Anthes heirs have no information on the content of Elsie’s letter either, so the reason for Einstein’s first statement must remain a mystery.

There is also a very interesting Judaica connection in this letter, apparently showing that Einstein was motivated in part and certainly informed by Jewish lore and the Talmud, and seeming to confirm his remark in an interview with Time Magazine, “As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud.” His statement here clearly manifests knowledge of a charming story that is part of Jewish tradition, and based on the Talmudic statement that in every generation 36 righteous people greet the Divine Presence. There are, it is said, 36 righteous people in every generation, and the world is upheld for their sake and based on their merit. They are secret, they could be anyone, and an individual might not even realize he or she were one of the 36. Yet, like Atlas, on their shoulders and by their virtues the world exists from one generation to the next.