I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
Dostoevsky gives me more than any scientist, more than Gauss.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Einstein values the insights of literature and philosophy over pure scientific accomplishments.
In this quote, Albert Einstein expresses his belief that the profound emotional and philosophical insights found in the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky hold greater significance for him than the rigorous mathematical contributions of scientists like Carl Friedrich Gauss. This reflects the idea that human understanding and experience, conveyed through literature, can provide deeper wisdom than the empirical knowledge obtained through scientific inquiry.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the importance of literature, someone might refer to this quote to highlight the value of philosophical perspectives.
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All quotes βIf I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
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Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal.
Scientia potentia est, sed parva; quia scientia egregia rara est, nec proinde apparens nisi paucissimis, et in paucis rebus. Scientiae enim ea natura est, ut esse intelligi non possit, nisi ab illis qui sunt scientia praediti.
Don't be obsessed with tactics but with purpose. Tactics have a half life.
Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind - listen to the birds. And don't hate nobody.
Nothing will stifle your human evolution more than fame and fortune.
Whoever envies another confesses his superiority.