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Einstein Discusses Anti-semitism in Magazine Article

November 18, 1938
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Tendencies towards totalitarianism, whose proponents use anti-Semitism as a weapon, will fail in America “if we cling to the rule: beware of flatterers, especially when they come preaching hatred,” declares Prof. Albert Einstein in an article, “Why Do They Hate Jews?” appearing tomorrow in Collier’s magazine.

Explaining his concept on of anti-Semitism, Dr. Einstein sees two antagonistic forces in political life — the “optimistic,” which proceeds from the belief that the free unfolding of productive forces leads to a satisfactory society, and the “pessimistic,” which seeks to base society on blind obedience and coercion. The adherents of the second group, he says, are “the carries of political anti-Semitism.”

In America, Dr. Einstein asserts, all pay lip service to the “optimistic” tendency, but the “pessimistic” force is in evidence, seeking spiritual and political dominion over the people and trying to utilize the weapon of anti-Semitism and hostility to various other groups. “So far all such tendencies have failed because of the people’s sound political instinct,” he declares.

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