Who is the Ethical Elite who can Save the World? Princeton, 1954

Who is the Ethical Elite who can Save the World? Princeton, 1954

"... I consider the "Society of Friends," the Quakers, commending the religious community as having the highest moral standards."

Letter to Australian pathologist, Dr. Alton R. Chapple regarding the Quakers. Princeton, 23.2.1954.

Specifications: [1] leaf, stationery, typewritten and signed by Prof. Einstein. 28x21 cm. English.

Content: "I consider the "Society of Friends," the Quakers, commending the religious community as having the highest moral standards. As far as I know they have never made any evil compromises and are always guided by their consciences. In international life, especially, their influence seems to me very beneficial and effective."
Einstein also denies the contradiction that Chapple discerned in a letter from five years earlier, mentioning that he does not expect people to refuse to work in research that generates knowledge for the means of mass destruction, writing here that since "the rules applying to a pioneering moral elite can not be expected to be followed by the rank and file."

Quakers: The Society of Friends is a Christian religious group formed in the 17th century in England by George Fox. The community aimed at purifying the Christian world and generating social reform by creating direct experience with G-d, without clergy or other expressions of church. The members of this group greatly influenced science and industry, relative to their small numbers. Their community is noted for the pursuit of peace and non-violence. Einstein, an ardent pacifist, (though he did not believe in pacifism at any price or in all situations) expresses his appreciation for the Quaker's approach to ethics, pursuit of peace and non-violence.

Condition: Fine condition, fold marks, aging stains.