3 4 V O L U M E 8 , D O C U M E N T S 2 7 6 a , 2 7 8 a
Besso is depressed because he can’t find a job; what can be done about
it?[6]
I don’t
know. I can’t assess his abilities with regard to his teaching talent.
Vol. 8, 276a. To Heinrich Zangger
[Berlin,] 16 November 1916
Dear friend Zangger,
It troubles me that you have to be in bed again. What’s ailing you? Besso writes
nothing about
it.[1]
Hearty thanks for the compilation of the
bill.[2]
The recently
transferred 1400 francs were exclusively for the regular upkeep (October through
December). The 1061.15 francs will follow separately in the coming
days.[3]
The
wife’s condition unfortunately still seems to be quite unstable; so at least they
should not be short on funds. What you write about the boys makes me happy. I
wrote Albert many times; but he inherited the writing diligence of his two parents.
This is a natural process which I shouldn’t complain about. Just like I am not writ-
ing a book, neither is he writing me. I shall be glad to write to R. Rolland when you
relay his address to me. The recognition of his artistic achievements by the Nobel
Committee is at least a small plaster on his wounds, but no more than a small
one.[4]
But maybe great things will come to pass so that he becomes reconciled with fate;
I lay my trust in that.
Warm greetings and the best of health! Yours,
Einstein
I hope Huguenin is
recovered.[5]
Vol. 8, 278a. From Hans Albert Einstein
[Zurich, before 26 November
1916][1]
Dear Papa,
I received your postcard and did not reply to it sooner because I always have very
much
homework.[2]
Mama has come home again in the meantime and has a nurse.
We are tremendously happy. When Mama came home, we had a celebration. I had
practiced a sonata by Mozart, and Tete had learned a song. We are very glad that
Mama is here again, for we are not so
alone.[3]
Mama can at least listen while I'm
playing the piano and does Latin a bit with me. It’s much nicer this way. We are