Blog #18

This portion of  “Ideas and Opinions,” was especially thought provoking as it highlights the significance of a stable political backdrop towards the progression of the sciences. This chapter encompassed scientific involvement and its relationship with politics, culture, and the economy. Part II of this book encompasses each of these topics via different lenses, which is significant and unique as it provides an all-encompassing perspective. The reader is exposed to Albert Einstein’s views via excerpts from letters addressed to the First Lady, public lectures, and recordings from a private interview. Throughout this passage, it is evident that Einstein is an advocate for peace, as he offers methods of disarmament and establishing a world government aimed to unite the world powers. It is significant to note that first and foremost, Einstein was notably a physicist at heart, but as illustrated throughout this book, he was one who was involved in a multitude of other domains, notably politics. This raises the question, should scientists be involved in such fields? Why or why not? Within this text, there was a letter released by the Russian Academy that was even titled, “Dr. Einstein’s Mistaken Notions” (Einstein 146). Within this letter, the members of this academy acknowledge Einstein’s involvement with underlying political issues, but also openly discourage such perspectives as they later note that “we believe that Dr. Einstein has entered a false and dangerous path; he is chasing the mirage of a ‘world state’ ” (Einstein 153). In this portion of the reading, one can see a distinction made between experts and amateurs. On a personal note, I strongly believe that it is significant to maintain these connections between varying fields, as many topics require a multitude of perspectives in order to ensure maximum efficiency and safety for others. This comment is made specifically towards the creation and harnessing the use of atomic energy (H-bomb). As noted by Einstein himself, although the world powers and their governments control and utilize nuclear weapons, he notes that it is vital to include scientists and the knowledge they contribute, within this mix. 

On another note, Einstein highlights the importance of political stability not only in the development of nations, but also scientific progress. Throughout this section, he notes that war has only lead to more destruction, and likens killings during warfare to that of murder. He later states that political instability has negatively impacted the formation of the scientific community; this is evident towards foreign policies that have prevented the flux of scientists to different nations. In other words, the diversity of science is directly dependent on political and cultural factors, in turn, hindering the path of individual scientists towards leading the good life. As we see throughout this reading, Einstein was widely known as one who immersed himself in different opportunities and fields, and one can only wonder, what virtues did Einstein apply throughout his life? 

Lastly, this reading is especially significant as it shows that Einstein is in fact a representative of the scientific field. Through his multifaceted roles, Einstein rose to the ranks as a celebrity, which is a stark contrast to the isolated Barbara McClintock. This begs the question, does such a prominent role hurt or help science and why? 

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