D O C U M E N T 1 3 9 J A N U A R Y 1 9 2 8 1 4 9 same fate as Miller in America, whose attempts have already been completely refuted.[6] The most interesting thing in physics now is the atomic theory, which has followed a very curious route that deviates greatly from mine, without contra- dicting the th. of rel. I’ve been racking my brains over this, so far without success. But after all I’ve gradually become an old fellow and have to more or less switch over to observing. Technically I’m still working with Szilard.[7] We have already sold a subsidiary patent[8] and connected another with a corporation.[9] But we still have the main thing in our hands and are negotiating with A.E.G.[10] If you were a (mechanical) engineer, I could very easily find a job for you. Unfortunately, I have no direct connections with the building industry. Best regards from your Albert 139. From Chaim Weizmann [London,] 22 January 1928 Dear Professor Einstein, I answered your important and interesting letter a few days ago.[1] Now I am writing to you about a personal matter that I have reflected on at great length. As you know, I have long wished to leave the presidium of the Zion.[ist] Org.[anization].[2] I would have done so at this last congress had the situation in Palestine not been so serious.[3] But I didn’t wish, nor was able, to complicate the situation by retiring I did, however, tell the congress that this would be my last term in office. The reasons that lead me to take this step are many. Laying every- thing on the shoulders of a single man for such a long time is not good for the move- ment or for me. I have become too firmly anchored in the position—and perhaps in my opinions—and that makes it difficult to come up with new men and new, more recent ideas. Also, I would gain far more distance on things, and might be able to judge many things differently, if I didn’t have to live under the perpetual pressure of great responsibility. This pressure has already gone on without interrup- tion for fourteen years, without a minute that is really without tension.[4] Thus it will probably be in the summer of 1929 that I will be free of it all. I would be able— and this is my dearest wish—to devote myself to the university in 1930. I would have to prepare myself for that, if I knew that I was really to take it on. I cannot, of course, undertake the task in battle with Magnes.[5] I wanted to tell you that, and I would like to hear your view. Best regards from us both,[6] sincerely yours Ch. Weizmann
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