Take-A-Pen EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Albert Einstein about Nuclear Threats and about Taking Your Pen

Dear Take-A-Pen friends!

17 December 2006 

Before sending out Take-A-Pen's good wishes for Hanukka, Christmas and New Year, we had a very pleasant and meaningful virtual talk with Take-A-Pen's honorary founder, Albert Einstein. I thought that some of his remarks are well worth to be shared with you. Voila!

We talked about recent global issues, like Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons and the West's hesitation to do something. Einstein told me these gems: 

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." (real Albert Einstein quote)
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." (real A.E. )
"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity." (real A.E.)

He was thoughtful for a while, then spoke again: "But..." he started,

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving" (real A.E.)

I was rather moved by his wisdom and asked him passionately, but where to "move", what to do? Einstein said:

"You have to work hard to win the global war of words and achieve peace before it comes to a World War III fought with weapons. So, honest people have to write as many good letters as possible" 

I asked him the letter-writers' eternal question "But how can we know that when we write, our letters may have an effect?"
Einstein answered as wittily as only he can.
"Simply think of my letter to Roosevelt about Leo Szilard's idea of the atomic bomb. Even if your letter may have a somewhat smaller impact, the letter is well worth your effort"

In this spirit, dear Friends,

Happy Hanukka! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! 
to You, to all Israel and to all peace-loving people! 

Endre MOZES

Take-A-Pen