What I believe
Text | Einstein
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What a strange fate it is for those of us who always die!
Each of us will only make a short stay in this world; What is the purpose, but I don't know, although sometimes I think I have some feelings about it.
However, there is no need to think deeply, as long as we can understand from our daily life that people live for others-first of all, for those people, our happiness depends entirely on their happiness and health; Secondly, for many people we don't know, their fate is closely linked with us through the bond of sympathy.
I remind myself hundreds of times every day that my spiritual life and material life are based on the labor of others (including the living and the dead), and I must try my best to repay what I have got and what I am still getting.
I have a strong desire for a simple life. And I often find myself taking on too much work for my compatriots, which is unbearable. I think the class division is unreasonable, and finally it is based on violence. I also believe that a simple and honest life is good for everyone, both physically and mentally.
02
I don't believe that human beings will have that kind of freedom in the philosophical sense at all. Everyone's behavior is not only forced by the outside world, but also adapted to the inherent necessity. Schopenhauer said: "Although people can do whatever they want, they cannot do whatever they want." This motto has given me real enlightenment since my youth; When I and others face difficulties in life, it always comforts us and is a constant source of tolerance. This kind of experience can alleviate the sense of responsibility that is easily discouraged, and also prevent us from taking ourselves and others too seriously; It leads to a philosophy of life that gives humor its due place.
From an objective point of view, I always think it is foolish and ridiculous to investigate the meaning or purpose of a person's own existence, or the meaning or purpose of all living things. But everyone has some ideals, which determine the direction of his efforts and judgment: I never take comfort and pleasure as the purpose of life itself-I call this ideal a pigsty.
It is truth, goodness and beauty that light my way. If there is no cordial feelings between like-minded people, if there is no focus on the objective world, which can never be achieved in the fields of art and science, then in my opinion, life will be empty. I always feel that the vulgar goals that people strive for-property, vanity and luxurious life-are despicable.
03
I have a strong sense of social justice and social responsibility, but I obviously lack the requirement of direct contact with others and society, which always forms an odd contrast.
Everyone is respected as an individual and no one is allowed to become an idol.
I have always been excessively praised and respected by my contemporaries, which is not my own fault or my own credit, but it is really a mockery of fate. The reason is probably that people have a desire to know the few ideas I have gained through my meager efforts, but many people have failed to realize this desire.
I fully understand that if an organization wants to achieve its goals, it must have one person to think, direct and take full responsibility. But leaders should not be forced, they must be able to choose their own leaders.
The situation in Europe today has made the form of democracy suspect, which cannot be attributed to the democratic principle itself, but to the instability of the government and the characteristics of the electoral system that has nothing to do with individuals. I believe that the United States has found the right path in this regard. They elected a president, whose term of office is long enough and he has full power to really perform his duties. On the other hand, in Germany's political system, what I value is that it has made valuable and extensive provisions for the relief of the sick or the poor.
In the colorful performances of life, I think what is really valuable is not the political country, but the creative and emotional individual, which is the personality. Only individuals can create noble and outstanding things, while the masses themselves are always dull in thoughts and feelings.
At this point, I thought of the worst performance in public life, that is, the military system that disgusted me. A man can make four victories under the leadership of a military band, and this alone is enough to make me despise him. He has a brain because of misunderstanding; Bone marrow alone can meet all his needs. This evil cave of civilization should be eliminated as soon as possible. Heroism at the mercy of others, ruthless atrocities, and all the hateful nonsense in the name of patriotism make me hate it! In my opinion, how despicable and dirty the war is! I'd rather be chopped to pieces than take part in such hateful activities.
04
The best experience we can have is the mysterious experience. It is the basic feeling of sticking to the birthplace of real art and real science. Whoever can't experience it, who has no curiosity and no sense of surprise, is a walking corpse with blurred eyes. It is this mysterious experience-although mixed with fear-that produces religion.
We realize that some things are invisible to us, feel the deepest rationality and the most splendid beauty, and they can only approach our hearts in the most primitive form-it is this understanding and this emotion that constitute real religious feelings; In this sense, and only in this sense, I am a person with deep religious feelings.
I can't and don't want to imagine that a person will continue to live after physical death; Let those fragile souls cherish this idea out of fear or ridiculous solipsism!
I just want to be satisfied with the eternal mystery of life, to feel the magical structure of the existing world, to catch a glimpse of its fragments, and to grasp the part of rationality displayed in nature with sincere efforts. If so, even if I understand only a tiny part of it, I will be satisfied.