1 0 8 D O C S . 1 2 5 1 2 7 O C T O B E R 1 9 1 9 125. To Rudolf Lindemann [Berlin,] 7 October 1919 Dear Sir, Your endeavor clearly stems from a desire to counter the purely practically and tangibly oriented mentality that has been almost completely dominating academic youth in recent decades.[1] This goal is an eminently important one, and I am also inclined to believe that the same can be most effectively advanced by serious in- volvement in artistic affairs. But nothing is gained by simply creating an organiza- tion. The question is, what substance will be placed within this framework? Your letter leaves me in the dark about this. In my view, organizations in themselves can- not engender intellectual activity, but rather can only support what is already there. The formation of smaller associations, which aside from nurturing a particular art also provide social contact for students, would be highly desirable they could re- place our present fraternities with their barbaric traditions.[2] My advice is: not to give precedence to currently flourishing rhetoric, but rather to embark on specific, well-defined projects. Very respectfully. 126. To Elisabeth Rotten [Berlin,] 7 October 1919 Dear Miss Rotten,[1] A Dr. Joseph, 13 Kleist St., has made available to me material about the prisoner camps in Dahomey,[2] to be picked up from his apartment. This material could be of interest if we want to expand our publications to cover institutionalized confinement.[3] We could then perhaps meaningfully contrast the charges held against each of the two hostile parties, if sweeping similarities can be found. This may possibly be the most effective way to work against the militaristic spirit. With kind regards, yours truly. 127. From Hendrik A. Lorentz Haarlem, 7 October 1919 Dear Colleague, I had not written to you yet about the observation of ray deflection at the solar limb because I thought some English journal, Nature, for inst., would surely soon
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