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.
The most deadly disease truly is the failure of the heart.
It is the function of perfection to make one know one's imperfection.
Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle.
All is not gold that glitters, as we have often been told; and the adage is verified in your place and my favour; but if what happens does not make us richer, we must bid it welcome, if it makes us wiser.
The only superstition I have is that I must start a new book on the same day that I finish the last one, even if it's just a few notes in a file. I dread not having work in progress.
It is necessary to constantly remind ourselves that we are not an abomination.
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