Science and Statesmanship

Image via Wikipedia

Watching this video, which presents an eclectic series of quotations of Albert Einstein, I was struck by what a statesman Einstein was, on behalf of his vocational establishment (i.e. 'Science' — although also, one might add, of 'Humanity').

And what a contrast that is with Professor Dawkins and other atheistic fundamentalist scientists, whose insecurity shines through in their need to vehemently diminish those who think differently.

The difference, for me, is captured in these two contrasting quotations from Einstein. Firstly, a quote surely applicable to him:

The life of the individual has meaning only insofar as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful. Life is sacred, that is to say it is the supreme value to which all other values are subordinate.

Secondarily, a quotation all too easily applied to modern "fundamentalists" of all stripes (many of which Dawkins reasonably, if not nobly, rails against...)

Humiliation and mental oppression by ignorant and selfish teachers wreak havoc in the youthful mind that can never be undone and often exert a baleful influence in later life.

One must presume, from the nature of some of his rants against the Christian faith, that Dawkins is the product of this kind of experience and therefore rue the culture and environment which so affected him.

Nevertheless, given his championing of rational thought and, in a day when science and the Christian faith are better equipped by both the rationale of extraordinary knowledge and the wisdom of experience to meet, understand one another and unite around problems of mutual concern — such as eradicating malaria, for example — that Dawkins is himself to be found consistently utilising his public platform ("Charles Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science") to engage in humiliating and ignorant representations of Christian faith.

~

On a lighter note altogether, I really like this quotation from the great man; for students of all disciplines, a splendid encouragement:

Never regard your study as a duty but as an enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later work belongs...

Indeed!

Two more...

Human beings can attain a worthy and harmonious life only if they are able to rid themselves, within the limits of human nature, of the striving for the wish fulfillment of material kinds. The goal is to raise the spiritual values of society.

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile...

Amen.

What are your favourite quotes — from Einstein or otherwise?