2 3 0 D O C . 1 2 9 O N T H E N A D I R O F C I V I L I Z A T I O N Both Felix Danziger and Andor Fodor had sent Einstein scathing reports on Kligler’s appointment (see Abs. 175 and Abs. 182). For Einstein’s displeasure with the agreement between the Hebrew Uni- versity and the Hadassah Medical Organization, see Doc. 37. [7] In his letter, Magnes had stated: “The truth of the matter is that Prof. Einstein is convinced that both by character & by training I am unfitted to occupy a leading position within the University. How he came to these views is another story. But perhaps he is right. Let him convince the other members of the Board that he is right, and I shall be glad to abide by their decision whatever it is.” (see Judah L. Magnes to Chaim Weizmann, 22 December 1927 [IL-RWW] [97 269]). [8] A subcommittee to examine the issues of research, publications, and the introduction of under- graduate teaching, headed by Selig Brodetsky, had been set up at the BOGHU’s third meeting in August 1926 (see Weizmann 1978, p. 291, note 3). For its report, see “Report on Teaching and Research in and Publications by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,” 1 September 1927, [IL- RWW]. [9] For these proposals, see Doc. 1 and “Report on Teaching and Research in and Publications by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,” 1 September 1927, p. 19 [IL-RWW]. Leo Kohn supported Brodetsky himself to be nominated for the position (see Abs. 116). [10] In his letter, Magnes wrote, “The other complaint which I understand Professor Einstein has is that the University has no money and the money that it has gives the donors too much influence in shaping the destinies of the University. […] I do not know if Prof. Einstein would have us refuse funds that are designated for specific purposes. At any rate, I can only express it as my opinion that the money thus far given to the University has been given in the best of spirit, without ulterior motives of any kind and solely with the idealistic purpose of aiding the growth of the University. If Professor Einstein is dissatisfied that it should be I who am securing a large measure of these funds, I want to say that I shall be only too happy to be told to desist, provided that others take upon themselves this rather burdensome task” (see Judah L. Magnes to Chaim Weizmann, 22 December 1927 [IL-RWW] [97 269]). [11] The postscript is written in Einstein’s hand. 129. On the Nadir of Civilization Berlin, 11. 1. 28. Sehr geehrter Herr! Ich gebe Ihnen eine allgemeine Antwort, die zugleich die einzelnen Fragen umfasst:[1] Jeder soll williger Diener sein der Gesamtheit, die alle Menschen umfasst! In vorzüglicher Hochachtung! A. Einstein. TLC. [47 088]. Addressed “Herrn Karl Jerman Südende.” A shorthand ADft of this document is also available [47 086]. [1] In Abs. 380, Jerman had requested statements from Einstein on “the nadir of civilization” (“Kulturtiefstände”). Jerman (1868–1929) was an Austrian-born sculptor and a senior teacher of sculpture in Berlin.
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