Albert Einstein, history’s most recognized scientist, did not just concern himself with the intricacies of the universe. Einstein, on numerous occasions, made himself clear about his social and political stances in life. There is one story about Einstein that stands out as one of the greatest examples of his involvement in the social justice movement. The Nobel Prize-winning physicist was once invited to Lincoln University , where he was tasked to be the keynote speaker for the school’s commencement exercises. All who were present expected Dr. Einstein to talk exclusively about relativity, and his other leading ideas in physics and cosmology.
Instead, he delivered a speech about racism, which he described as a “disease of white people.” During the speech, Albert Einstein firmly stated that he “did not intend to be quiet” about the evils of racism and prejudice, and his influence in the movement remained strong ever since. Later on, Lincoln University would come to oversee the graduation of leading African American individuals, like the artist Larry Neal and Thurgood Marshall, the very first African American justice in the United States.
Albert Einstein’s strong statements came from experience. As a Jew in Europe during the rise of Nazi Germany, Einstein and his colleagues experienced humiliation and abuse during their tenure at the University of Berlin. Although he was already behind United States borders when the Nazis came into full power in 1933, many of his fellow academics who remained behind suffered a great deal of torment.
Upon arriving at Princeton in New Jersey, he realized that the treatment African Americans were receiving in the town was terribly akin to how Jews were treated in University of Berlin. Seeing a parallel in experiences, Albert Einstein decided to speak out against the injustice he observed at Princeton. One story that marked his dedication to the equality cause was when he offered famous black singer Marian Anderso n to stay at his home after she was denied lodging at the inns in New Jersey.
The physicist was once quoted as saying “politics is more difficult than physics.” Scientific breakthroughs can be achieved through objectivity. Political issues, however, continue to evade human logic and compassion. Einstein recognized our impressive capability to answer scientific problems, but heavily criticized our failure to recognize social concerns.
Albert Einstein is not very well known for his contributions to societal change, but it is high time we recognized the fact that his contributions to social justice is just as important as his amazing contributions to science.
[Image from Adam Fagen via Flickr]
