But their intervention makes our acts to serve ever less merely the immediate claims of our instincts.
Interpretation
Einstein suggests that outside influences shape our actions beyond our basic instincts.
In this quote, Albert Einstein reflects on the influence of external factors on human behavior. He implies that our actions are not solely driven by our innate instincts; rather, the interventions of society, culture, and knowledge modify our responses and decisions, leading us to act in ways that transcend mere instinctual reactions. This highlights the importance of higher reasoning and conscious choices in guiding our actions.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of society in shaping human behavior.
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.
If 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.
People have no idea what one saint can do: for sanctity is stronger than the whole of hell.
Happy are they that hear their detractions, and can put them to mending.
Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.
No enemy is indeed so terrible as a man of genius.
I find no sweeter fat than sticks to my own bones.
Be open minded, but not so open minded that your brains fall out.
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