D O C U M E N T S 2 1 2 , 2 1 3 F E B R U A R Y 1 9 2 4 2 0 9
212. To Anne Loeb[1]
[Berlin,] 19 February 1924
Highly esteemed Mrs. Loeb,
Together with an affectionate letter from your esteemed husband full of sympa-
thy and joy of life, the news arrived about his sudden
death.[2]
With him has depart-
ed from life one of the most perfect and wonderful persons that I had the fortune to
get to know. The few hours I was allowed to spend with him in New York and
Washington are among the most valuable and happiest memories of my
life.[3]
It
was wonderful when he talked about the development of his ideas and research,
which have influenced science so deeply, and when he spoke about human and po-
litical things, passionately and at the same time resignedly. Now he is suddenly
gone as a person, and only his powerful thoughts still speak to the survivors.
To you, gracious Mrs. Loeb, I express my deepest sympathy, feeling with you
your bitter grief. May you later find consolation in your children, in whom the cher-
ished man lives on in rejuvenated
form.[4]
I amicably invite your son to visit me
when he comes to Europe.
In deep compassion I press your and your son’s hands, yours in sincere cordial-
ity,
A. Einstein.
213. To Reta Anschütz-Stöve
[Berlin,] 23 February 1924
Dear Mrs. Anschütz,
I heartily thank you for your friendly little
letter,[1]
which has pacified all parties.
My
wife,[2]
in particular, acknowledged it with gratitude. I had already suspected
beforehand that you cannot have any offensive intentions, either in this or in any
other instance; I knew you well enough for that. But it was a matter of also showing
this to my wife and proving to her that the great favors granted to us on your and
especially your
husband’s[3]
part have no spike aimed against her. This has now
been fully achieved.
I am continually doing well. Time elapses in diligent labor, as I am gnawing on
a very difficult theory, of which I do not even know yet whether it leads to the
goal.[4]
I received good and cheerful news from the
boys.[5]