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nished rooms with all the conveniences that the heart could desire and has a
splendid view of the Kiel bay. Breakfast is also brought there, so I am surrounded
by a matchless tranquillity and don’t even notice that I am a guest. In addition, Mr.
Anschütz and his
wife[4]
are quiet and content people who haven’t the slightest no-
tion about what it means to hurry and scurry about.
Yesterday evening I also accompanied Mrs. Anschütz to the Missa Solemnis by
Beeth[oven].[5]
Performance quite inadequate, composition magnificent, but not
according to my
ideal.[6]
Mrs. Anschütz is still very young, pretty, more body than
mind: she was very delighted with the presumption of having to mother
me,[7]
be-
cause the parental relationship would fit far better the other way round, although
having such a well-endowed daughter with strawberry blond hair would always
have a suspicious question mark attached. Today I am going to a talk by Becker on
German educational issues and then—alas!—to an official dinner
function.[8]
(Nothing to be done about it!) Tomorrow morning is my
talk.[9]
Spengler’s not
coming.[10]
Altogether, the Kiel week doesn’t seem to me to grow beyond the local
framework. Bourgeois public of civil servants, dull and
simple-minded.[11]
Not a
single seat can be gotten for my sermon, but I think the little crowd will receive
even less for their money than—I myself.
Think of the house and the
sailboat.[12]
We have to create a more human exist-
ence for ourselves as well, for all the rural simplicity. There is something fine about
a life of meditation. This is most impressively set before my eyes now. Berlin is
nerve-racking and deprives me of the possibility of quiet contemplation.
Kisses also to Ilse and
Margot[13]
from your
Albert.
Send my regards also to the grandparents and Anna, as well as to the minnesinger
Moszkowski and
spouse.[14]
Greetings from the Anschützes, who regret you declined. See you on Saturday.
I am probably going to have to leave on Friday.
150. To the Association for Combating Anti-Semitism
Berlin, 14 September 1920
Dear Sir,
Prof. Einstein instructed me to inform you that in his opinion we Jews cannot
contribute toward countering anti-Semitism through a direct
campaign.[1]
Since
your view on this point deviates from that of Prof. Einstein, I respectfully ask you
in his name kindly to refrain from your plan—of electing Mr. Einstein onto your
association’s board.
In great respect,
The Secretary