D O C U M E N T 2 0 9 J U N E 1 9 2 8 2 0 5 209. To Felix Moritz Warburg [Berlin,] Sunday [3 June 1928][1] Dear Mr. Warburg, I was very moved by your letter, which was written with genuine passion.[2] I can hardly tell you how great my admiration for you and for your integrity is. But I feel the way I would if you urged me to alter the content of the Pythagorean the- orem, because I am completely convinced that the leadership of the university is such that—unless a radical change is made—I can no longer take responsibility for it.[3] Imagine that a small joint-stock company had its headquarters in Jerusalem and continually made, under the leadership of a certain Mr. X, and in your name and under your responsibility, investments in currency and capital that you considered inappropriate and mistaken. Would you find such a situation tolerable? I have no objection to your Weizmann-Magnes suggestion, if Weizmann re- mains in Jerusalem and devotes himself full time to the administration of the university.[4] But that task cannot be performed from a distance and with one’s left foot. I have read Brodetsky’s report and spoken to him.[5] I have the highest view of his ability to solve exactly this task and am firmly convinced that he is the right man. If, in accord with my recommendation, he takes over the academic leadership, then it will be done rightly, and I can continue to assume responsibility. If you do otherwise, then I will consider, sine ira et studio, whether I should resign and will also do so if I think that the new solution offers no guarantee of a fundamental re- mediation. Finally, I assure you that it causes me great pain to have to inconvenience you in this way. Decide as you see fit I will not hold a grudge against anyone, and least of all against you. Just don’t ask me to say yes when I think no. Best regards, A. Einstein P.S. Healthwise, I’m doing moderately well, though with some weaknesses and the need to lie down all the time.
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