8 2 D O C . 9 9 S E P T E M B E R 1 9 1 9 very great value for the development of our physics efforts that a whole range of people could be organized toward the special goal of obtaining you.– Einstein—consider that here you would join a group of people who are very fond of you personally and not just of the brain power you exude! No one here ex- pects any accomplishments, all simply want you to be nearby. I assure you that you will have such extraordinarily great freedom that you will also be able to fulfill from here all moral obligations you may feel toward Switzer- land without any difficulty.[4] You will even be able to do very much of what you want with regard to Berlin.[5] Dear, dear Einstein! Just don’t spoil all of my hopes and dreams.—Help me with my strivings by immediately giving me an answer favorable enough to set every- thing else directly in motion. Warm greetings from my wife, all the children,[6] and from me personally, yours, Ehrenfest It is actually really annoying that you have any say at all in a matter that we obvi- ously can judge much better than you!! 99. To Pauline Einstein [Berlin,] Friday. [5 September 1919] Dear Mother, From your reports I see, sadly, that you are still being tormented quite a bit.[1] Life is no trifle. We, however, are doing well presently. Just the troubles arising out of the general economic situation are making themselves felt. We have to relinquish a room (rent it out).[2] Starting tomorrow, the elevator won’t be operating anymore, so each exit will involve a climbing expedition, and in addition to that, much shiv- ering lies ahead of us this winter.[3] But at least, if you pay a pretty penny, you can get something to eat.[4] The finest thing in my life right now is that I go sailing quite often with Prof. Katzenstein.[5] It has happened twice already, and we intend to go again on Monday. Otherwise, I study and work without having anything of partic- ular importance to write about. I am taking proper advantage of the nice weather by spending much time on the balcony, which does have some aspects of a moun- tain resort. This evening we are going to see Moszkowski,[6] but normally we actu- ally don’t exchange visits regularly. Will Guste Hochberger be able to come and see you, I wonder? The exchange rate is a problem. I can’t lend her any Swiss money, because I don’t have any extra and, at that catastrophic rate, only exchange it when absolutely necessary.[7] Tell Pauli that I wrote Meinhardt but haven’t received an answer yet. I’ll write when I’ve received word.[8] Ogden and Alice are coming here
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