“How was I able to live alone before, my little everything? Without you I lack self-confidence, passion for work, and enjoyment of life--in short, without you, my life is no life.[Written to his wife, Mileva]”
In this heartfelt quote, Albert Einstein expresses profound emotional dependence on his wife, Mileva. The words unveil not just his vulnerability but also the significant role she played in his life, showcasing the intersection of love, fulfillment, and personal identity.
Einstein begins with a poignant question, "How was I able to live alone before," indicating that his past existence feels incomplete without her presence. This suggests a sense of longing and a realization that true fulfillment comes from companionship. The phrase "my little everything" emphasizes the depth of his affection, portraying Mileva as a central figure in his world, fulfilling various aspects of his emotional and psychological needs.
The declaration of lacking "self-confidence, passion for work, and enjoyment of life" without her signifies that love is not just an emotional state for Einstein, but a crucial element of his motivation and productivity. Each component he mentions reveals an area of life deeply intertwined with his relationship. The absence of Mileva is equated with a lack of vitality and zest for life—reinforcing the idea that human connections are essential to well-being.
Finally, his concluding statement, "without you, my life is no life," underscores an existential sentiment. It conveys that Mileva's influence is vital in defining his existence and happiness, making it clear that he views their bond as integral to his life's meaning.
Overall, this quote encapsulates how love can fundamentally shape one's identity and outlook, making it not just an idea of companionship but a vital component of personal fulfillment and happiness.
“I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music”
“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”
“I see my life in terms of music.”
“I have never looked upon ease and happiness as ends in themselves -- this critical basis I call the ideal of a pigsty. The ideals that have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth. Without the sense of kinship with men of like mind, without the occupation with the objective world, the eternally unattainable in the field of art and scientific endeavors, life would have seemed empty to me. The trite objects of human efforts -- possessions, outward success, luxury -- have always seemed to me contemptible.”
“From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other - above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
“When we first got married, we made a pact. It was this: In our life together, it was decided I would make all of the big decisions and my wife would make all of the little decisions. For fifty years, we have held true to that agreement. I believe that is the reason for the success in our marriage. However, the strange thing is that in fifty years, there hasn’t been one big decision.”