The lurking hypothetical planet
Albert Einstein is often celebrated as one of the greatest scientific minds in history, renowned for revolutionizing our understanding of physics with theories such as relativity. However, few people know that he was also approached to take on a significant political role.
Though it might seem unexpected to some, it was a natural choice for others. Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel, a nation that is currently at the center of a major conflict with global repercussions. What might have changed if this brilliant thinker had chosen to engage more actively in the political arena?
Click on to explore Einstein's lesser-known connection to politics.
We all know Einstein, the theoretical physicist and philosopher of science. He developed the general theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics).
His mass-energy equivalence formula, E=mc², is one of the most famous equations in physics. A key application of this formula is in nuclear power, where nuclear power plants convert a small amount of mass into energy to generate electricity.
Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his discovery of the photoelectric effect, which was essential to quantum theory. He published over 300 scientific papers and 150 non-scientific works, cementing his reputation as a genius.
Despite his undeniable intellectual achievements, Einstein was never directly involved in politics. So how did he receive an offer to be Israel's president?
Much has been discussed regarding Einstein's views on Zionism and his relationship with his Jewish identity. He believed that Judaism was not merely a religious matter. Instead, he described it as a "community of tradition."
According to Britannica, Zionism is a Jewish nationalist movement with the goal of the creation and support of a Jewish national state in Palestine. This movement emerged in response to rising antisemitism in Europe and the longing for a Jewish homeland.
In the early 1900s, Einstein was reportedly detached from his Jewish background, not adhering to its dogmas and rituals and not declaring it as a religion in his documents.
Einstein firmly opposed nationalism, believing it largely caused the global war that claimed approximately 40 million lives. On those grounds, he initially rejected the idea of a Jewish state.
In a letter to his colleague, physicist Paul Ehrenfest, Einstein cautioned that, at that time, rampant Jewish nationalism "threatens to degenerate into hostility and bigotry." He believed that internationalism would instead pave the way for a more just and peaceful world.
In letters to fellow academics, Einstein seemed to oppose the idea of a "Jewish state with borders and an army," concerned about the "narrow nationalism" it would bring.
However, he was also deeply troubled by the discrimination faced by Jews in Europe, especially as he began to notice that Jewish students were being prevented from attending his lectures in Berlin.
After moving to Berlin, Einstein expressed in letters that the mistreatment of Jewish people was so outrageous it inspired him to oppose such treatment and reconnect with his roots.
That caused Einstein to begin showing signs of shifting his views regarding the championing of a safe haven, free from persecution, for Jewish people, especially if it meant they could study.
In 1921, another significant event brought Einstein closer to the Jewish community. Chaim Weizmann, a former chemist and then president of the World Zionist Organization, organized a tour for Einstein in America.
By then, Einstein had become a superstar after British newspapers announced that observations made during the 1919 solar eclipse seemed to confirm his theory of gravity.
The tour organized by Weizmann aimed to leverage Einstein's fame to raise funds for the proposed Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Attracted by the idea of a space for his community to access education, Einstein accepted the tour offer.
Ultimately, the US visit was less successful than Weizmann anticipated, raising only US$750,000 instead of the hoped-for $4 million.
Nonetheless, Einstein's most passionate project, the Hebrew University, opened in April 1925. His role in its founding later influenced his consideration as a potential candidate for Israel's presidency.
Einstein was in the United States when Adolf Hitler rose to power in 1933. As a Jewish man, he chose not to return to Germany and settled in the US, becoming an American citizen in 1940 while continuing his career at Princeton University.
By that time, he had established a strong connection to his roots. In a 1934 essay, Einstein highlighted what was most significant to him: "The pursuit of knowledge, a love of justice, and the desire for personal independence—these features of the Jewish tradition make me thankful to belong to it."
Chaim Weizmann, Einstein's former partner during the US tour, became Israel's first president. After his death in 1952, the Israeli government, under Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, offered the presidency to Einstein.
Weizmann had reportedly described Einstein as "the greatest Jew alive," making him a natural successor.
In November 1952, the Foreign Ministry sought candidates for president, and US Ambassador Abba Eban approached Albert Einstein with the offer. Eban's letter indicated he was acting on the instructions of Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion.
Acceptance would require relocation to Israel and acceptance of Israeli nationality.
Despite the favorable odds, Einstein declined the proposal. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, he conveyed in his letter that he was "deeply moved" by the offer, and felt "saddened and ashamed" to decline it.
He also expressed concern that his lack of social skills would hinder his ability to perform official duties.
At 73, Einstein also expressed concern about his advancing age, noting it was affecting his strength. He ultimately passed away due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in April 1955, at the age of 76.
Although he declined the offer, Einstein stayed close to Israeli leaders. In 1951, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion visited him in Princeton during a nationwide tour to promote Israel's half-a-billion-dollar independence bond issue. In this picture, Ben-Gurion is seen talking with Einstein and reporters.
Sources: (Britannica) (Time) (Smithsonian Magazine) (Jewish Virtual Library)
See also: The unknown side of Albert Einstein
How Einstein nearly became the president of Israel
When science almost met politics
LIFESTYLE Politics
Albert Einstein is often celebrated as one of the greatest scientific minds in history, renowned for revolutionizing our understanding of physics with theories such as relativity. However, few people know that he was also approached to take on a significant political role.
Though it might seem unexpected to some, it was a natural choice for others. Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel, a nation that is currently at the center of a major conflict with global repercussions. What might have changed if this brilliant thinker had chosen to engage more actively in the political arena?
Click on to explore Einstein's lesser-known connection to politics.