Freedom of teaching and of opinion in book or press
is the foundation for the sound and natural development
of any people.
From an address written for a gathering of university
teachers that never took place, 1936. Published as “At a
Gathering for Freedom of Opinion” in Out of My Later
Years, 183–184; Einstein Archives 28-333

The real difficulty, the difficulty that has baffled the
sages of all times, is this: how can we make our
teaching so potent in the emotional life of man that
its influence should withstand the pressure of the
elemental psychic forces in the individual?
From an address at Swarthmore College, June 6, 1938. Published
as “Morals and Emotions” in Out of My Later Years.
Einstein Archives 29-083

*Only understanding for our neighbors, justice in
our own dealings, and willingness to help our fellow
men can give human society permanence and
assure security for the individual. Neither intelligence
nor inventions nor institutions can serve as
substitutes for these most vital parts of education.
From a CBS radio address for the United Jewish Appeal,
March 21, 1939. See also Jerome, Einstein on Israel and Zionism,
141. Einstein Archives 28-475

The school of life is chaotic and planless, while the
school system operates according to a defi nite
plan. . . . That explains . . . why education is such an
important political instrument: there is always the
danger that it may become an object of exploitation
by contending political groups.
From a message to the New Jersey Education Association,
Atlantic City, November 10, 1939. Published in Nathan
and Norden, Einstein on Peace, 389. Einstein Archives
70-486

*It is a very grave mistake to think that the joy of
seeing and searching can be promoted by means of
coercion and a sense of duty. . . . I believe that it
would be possible to rob even a healthy beast of
prey of its voraciouslness . . . with the aid of a whip,
to force the beast to devour continuously, even when
not hungry.
Written in 1946 for “Autobiographical Notes,” 17–19