D O C U M E N T S 8 7 , 8 8 J U L Y 1 9 2 0 2 1 9
mere
anti-Semitism.[3]
This embitters people who otherwise could form a bridge to
the East which is so important for Germany’s future economic development. But
far from wanting to place economic considerations at the center, I see the moral and
cleansing effect of your endeavor as its chief value. May your cause meet with am-
ple success.
In great respect,
87. To Richard Fleischer[1]
Berlin, 29 July
[1920][2]
Esteemed Mr. Fleischer,
We in Berlin are being plagued by flies. What to do? Very simple, you just catch
all the flies in your room and then have some peace until new ones arrive.
Would a sensible person do it that way? He would rather let the flies buzz about,
which are short-lived anyway, especially since he knows that in September they
will disappear of their own accord. This is less troublesome than fly-catching and
allows one to make use of one’s time better, or at least more pleasantly. It is another
matter when a wasp appears; it must be granted more importance. But one of those
has not yet made its appearance.
In like manner do I respond to my critics and sycophants, who are excused by
the fact that newsprint is paid by the line, regardless of whether it contains praise
or
censure.[3]
Thus I think they all should be allowed to live on undisturbed. The
judgment of those who cannot think or judge for themselves is of no consequence.
In great respect, yours truly,
A. Einstein.
88. To Friedrich Kottler[1]
Berlin, 29 July 1920
Esteemed Colleague,
Yesterday I talked extensively with
Mises,[2]
to whom I had handed your letter
some time
ago.[3]
He told me that there is a considerable demand for teachers of
applied mathematics, but he expressed doubts about whether you possessed the
necessary experience in descriptive geometry, engineering mechanics, graphical
statics, and graphical methods in general for such a teaching occupation. For such
positions, he reportedly could only recommend fellow colleagues in the field who