Science without religion is lame; Religion without science is blind, so said Albert Einstein, one of the most prolific minds of modern times. Though many assume that Einstein's ideas about religion are ambiguous, a handwritten letter in German shortly before his death throws light on what the father of relativity actually thought about God, religion and tribalism. This "God Letter" of Einstein will be auctioned on eBay from today until October 18th, with an opening bid of $3 million.
The letter was written by Einstein on January 3, 1954, a year before he passed away, in response to Jewish philosopher Eric Gutkind's book "Choose Life: The Biblical Call to Revolt".
The word 'God' for Einstein is nothing but a product of human weaknesses and the Bible a collection of honorable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish, according to English translation of the letter. Born to Jewish couple Hermann and Pauline, Einstein considered Jewish religion like all other religions as an incarnation of the most childish superstitions.
This is the second time that the 'God Letter' is being auctioned off. In 2008, this letter was bought by an unidentified buyer at a Bloomsbury Auctions sale in London for $404,000, 25 times its presale estimate.
Since its purchase, the letter has been stored at a professional academic institution in a temperature, humidity and light controlled environment.
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