D O C U M E N T S 3 1 8 – 3 2 0 N O V E M B E R 1 9 2 8 3 1 1 318. To Henri Barbusse[1] [Berlin,] 25 November 1928 Dear Mr. Barbusse, I probably have little need to tell you that I am an unconditional antifascist. But I do not believe that anything worthwhile will be achieved by a congress, since in general serious people tend to stay far away from such noisy occasions.[2] I would consider it much more important to show the world, through a carefully conducted collection of names and statements by prominent contemporary figures, that the preponderant majority of people recognized as valuable oppose fascism, that is, the politics of authoritarian and irresponsible rule by force.— With kind regards, sincerely yours 319. To Otto Blumenthal [Berlin,] 25 November 1928 Dear Colleague, I regret that as an innocent lamb I have ended up in this mathematical wolf- pack.[1] The scientific activities of the men considered here shows such mental subtlety that I dare not hope to arrive at a more or less well-founded judgment re- garding them, even in this nonscientific matter. So kindly allow me to humbly per- sist in refraining from saying yay or nay and to remain in the role of the astonished contemporary. With best wishes for a long continuation of this battle that is as noble as it is im- portant, sincerely yours, P.S. This letter is also going to Prof. Brouwer.[2] 320. To Eduard Einstein [Berlin, 25 November 1928] Dear Tetel, Now my condition has really improved, so that the doctor says that I should become a “normal person” (which I never was). You little beast, you didn’t deliver the jumping jack. (Dukas, Morgenthalstr. 31).[1] Do it immediately.