D O C U M E N T S 6 6 , 6 7 J U N E 1 9 2 0 2 0 1
his obduracy—if it is not compensated by other influences—can become a disad-
vantage for the institute; in this I agree with you. You, Mr. Smekal, do know that I
have always thought of Mr. Ehrenhaft’s theoretical attitude in the way I indicated
here.[2]
It would be particularly bad if Viennese theoretical physicists found their op-
tions
narrowed.[3]
Among the informed, there can be no doubt that in Vienna today
theoretical physics outweighs experimental physics. Under no circumstances
should Vienna neglect to nurture its exceptional traditions in theoretical
physics.[4]
It seems to me to be your right and, indeed, your responsibility to insist resolutely
upon this. What I had feared, on the other hand, in the initial phase of the Ehrenhaft
affair was, on the contrary, that fostering experiments could fall far too much into
the background if no genuine, spirited experimentalist received the vacant chair. It
seems to me, though, that the way
out[5]
devised by the faculty already reduces this
danger substantially.
With best regards, I am yours,
Einstein.
66. To Hans Reichenbach
[Berlin,] 30 June 1920
Dear Mr. Reichenbach,
I am really very pleased that you want to dedicate your excellent brochure to
me,[1]
but even more so that you give me such high marks as a lecturer and
thinker.[2]
The value of the th. of rel. for philosophy seems to me to be that it ex-
posed the dubiousness of certain concepts that even in philosophy were recognized
as small change. Concepts are simply empty when they stop being firmly linked to
experiences. They resemble upstarts who are ashamed of their origins and want to
disown them.
Pardon my brevity; my correspondence debts are immense. With best wishes
and cordial greetings to you and
Regener,[3]
yours,
A. Einstein.
67. To Moritz Schlick
[Berlin,] 30 June 1920
Dear Mr. Schlick,
I did travel past, after all, unfaithful me, albeit with a heavy heart. But I had my
daughter and much hand luggage with me, so it probably could not have been