D O C . 4 3 8 M E S S A G E 4 3 3
438. “Message”
[Einstein 1925h]
Published 17 February 1925
In: Jüdische Rundschau 30, no. 14 (17 February 1925): 129.
We submit the following declaration published by the famous scholar about a purified Zionism in
the first issue of the new periodical La Revue Juive.
In my opinion, the presence of various nationalities and consequently of mutu-
ally competing nationalisms inside as well as outside Europe must be regarded as
a
misfortune.[1]
Is it necessary to repeat that a certain nationalism poses a real dan-
ger to peace and constitutes an inexhaustible source of injustices and misery?
On the other hand, there is one fact that cannot be denied: Jews are, virtually ev-
erywhere, treated as members of a clearly characterized national
group.[2]
This
may seem regrettable to Jews who consider themselves, as do I, to be part solely of
the nation of mankind, an admittedly hard to attain yet possible ideal.
Nietzsche said that one of the peculiarities of the Jewish people consists in
knowing “the subtle utility of misfortune” and translating it into
reality.[3]
The Jews must also make use of their nationality. May they do this for the benefit
of the common good!
It is their duty to develop, of their own accord, those virtues and those beliefs
that are indispensable to one who wishes to serve humanity. Because the disappear-
ance of Jewish nationality seems impossible, for the moment at least, the Israelites
must justify its existence. And for this reason they must, without ridiculous arro-
gance, regain awareness of the human value they represent. By studying their past,
by a better understanding of their spirit in accordance with their race, they must ac-
quaint themselves anew with the mission they must fulfill.
Zionism can help them in this way, in that it recalls to their minds a past that is
full of glory and pain, and opens their eyes to a healthier, more dignified future; it
guides them to view themselves less negatively and to take courage. It gives back
to them the moral energy that will allow them to live and act in dignity. It frees their
souls of the inexcusable feeling of excessive modesty, which can only oppress them
and make them unproductive. Finally, it reminds them that the centuries of com-
monly experienced sufferings impose obligations of
solidarity.[4]