TLS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, April 30, 1952. Letter to poet Mascha Kaleko. In full (translated): “I appreciate your poem as being very beautiful and indeed meaningful. Incidentally, it touches on a deep metaphysical approach to physics that has been focused on lately, and by which particularly Bergson was troubled and animated. Thanking you and sending my regards.” Intersecting mailing folds, scattered mild toning to edges, a few wrinkles, and a couple small repaired holes to right edge, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Before one understands the convergence of physics and metaphysics, a person must grasp the concept that metaphysics is a philosophical, almost spiritual—though not religious—study of being and knowing. Einstein understood the connection, as did Kaleko, a poet who emigrated to New York City in 1938 and whose works was full of serious, religious content and an overwhelming longing for Germany—with the unidentified work in question touching on “a deep metaphysical approach to physics.”
Einstein’s reference to Henri Bergson, the famed French philosopher who espoused the notion that immediate experience and intuition are more significant than rationalism and science for understanding reality. Thirty years before Einstein composed this letter, he and Bergson engaged in a public debate on the subject—with philosophers agreeing that Bergson did not satisfactorily show how intuition could work apart from intellect. The debate left Bergson “troubled and animated,” and since then have led scientists and philosophers to discuss the underlying fact that intellectuals like Bergson were unable to keep up with revolutions in science like those made by Einstein. A brief letter with surprisingly deep and meaningful content. RRAuction COA.
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