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Lot #160
Albert Einstein

A sobering call to action to prevent “the general annihilation of mankind through man”

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Description

A sobering call to action to prevent “the general annihilation of mankind through man”

AQS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” dated October 2, 1954, written beneath a TLS sent to him by Pastor Wolf-Dieter Zimmermann, one page, 8.25 x 11.75, personal letterhead, September 24, 1954. Zimmermann wrote to request a comment from Einstein on world peace, in part (translated): “You were kind enough last year to let us have the complete text of your open letter to the Russian scientists...May we impose on you once more with a request for help, a word from you for peace in the world, three, four lines, if possible signed in your own handwriting, so that we can publish it in a magazine, just like you did with your open letter.” Einstein replies below, in full (translated): “The development of modern weapons has rendered the resolution of international political conflicts through warfare completely illusory. Only a supranational organization can put an end to the current state of hysteria. Everyone has to be fully aware of that, if the general annihilation of mankind through man is to be prevented.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, trivial soiling, and slight show-through to the left edge from a slip affixed to the reverse. An outspoken pacifist since his teen years, Einstein repeatedly encouraged international leaders to strive for one, singular goal: the abolition of war. With the development of the atomic bomb—giving mankind the ability to destroy itself completely—this call grew increasingly urgent and remained at the forefront of Einstein’s thoughts until his death in the spring of 1955. An extraordinarily powerful statement urging the creation of a unified “supranational organization,” to navigate the dangers of living under nuclear threat. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #450 - Ended April 15, 2015





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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