2 3 4 D O C U M E N T S 1 0 3 , 1 0 4 A U G U S T 1 9 2 0
the magnetic axis and the
field.[5]
It would be very nice if Langevin and Weiss
came.[6]
I have taken particularly warmly to the former. Stop whining and don’t be
a self-flagellator. Surely we, too, may avail ourselves of the human right of becom-
ing increasingly stupid and lazy with age. That way we do others the service of re-
lieving their consciences . . .
Hearty greetings to all of you, from your
Einstein.
I know nothing as yet about any planned nonsense at Nauheim. You are making me
curious.[7]
It won’t be the first, nor the last!
103. To Pieter Zeeman
15 August 1920
Highly esteemed Colleague,
Cordial thanks for the magnificent
photograph[1]
and for your friendly words. It
is a special pleasure to me to have you as trustee [“curator”], and I think I can prom-
ise you that I will never subject you to any excruciating
cura.[2]
I can deliver the
inaugural lecture only at the end of October, because I would like to spend the first
half of October beforehand with my boys, who live in Zurich and only have vaca-
tion just then.
Wishing you and your family a nice vacation, I send you my warm regards,
yours sincerely,
A. Einstein.
104. From Paul Ehrenfest
[Leyden,] 16 August 1920
Dear Einstein,–
Thanks for your postcard of Aug. 13.–
[1]
1.) Your suggestion, October 27, I immediately conveyed to van
Vollenhoven.[2]
– As soon as I hear from him whether that works, I’ll report to you
(thus, a few days hence)—but in any event, for heaven’s sake, do come here about
that time and stay long with us—otherwise it will be quite impossible to coordinate
everything (trustees,
Langevin,[3]
etc.) and IÊll go nuts [meschugge].
2.) “Tails”—Well—you must decide that for yourself. Of course, plenty of peo-
ple here will be willing to lend you their dress coat—but it is a geometrical problem
whose solution remains uncertain whether one of them fits you.—I would say: sim-
ply let your wife decide.—Since (after the
oration[4]
) many people will want to
“congratulate”[5]
you, and the students will address you, you must, under all con-
ditions, be wearing a dress coat.