50. Einstein, Albert. Typed letter signed (“A. Einstein.”), 1.25 pages (8.5 x 11 in.; 216 x 279 mm.), on “A. Einstein, 112 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A.” blind-stamped letterhead, 9 November 1951, written to “Lt. J.G. Guy H. Raner, Jr.” With original transmittal envelope. Usual folds. Fine.

Einstein has little hope that the world of academia can combat “McCarthyism” with enlightening books…

“…teachers have become still more dependent than before because one has succeeded to make the people believe in a so-called ‘red danger’. We can hope for a turn to the better only if the idea of world-government is strengthened…If people do not feel themselves threatened anymore from without they will feel more inclined to defend their freedoms.”

Einstein writes in full:
Dear Mr. Raner: I had given you my permission to publish my letter to you only to show you that I am ready to take the responsibility for my utterances. However, such publication would have been purposeless to say the least. Your idea to organize the university teachers in order to publish enlightening books seems to me not very promising. Such publications have little success with the public on account of their impersonal character. Furthermore, most intellectuals do not like to give expression to their convictions because they are financially dependent from a dull majority and from an economically privileged few who shun the light. The intellectuals were and are not even able to organize themselves like the manual workers in order to defend their immediate professional interests. In the meantime the teachers have become still more dependent than before because one has succeeded to make the people believe in a so-called “red danger”. We can hope for a turn to the better only if the idea of world-government is strengthened. This endeavor is somewhat more promising of success than the struggle for genuine academic freedom because it has not been declared “subversive” – at least not so far. If people do not feel themselves threatened anymore from without they will feel more inclined to defend their freedoms. Sincerely yours, A. Einstein.

This letter was written in response to a 4.5 page typed letter, dated 21 October 1951 (a photocopy is included) from Lt. J.G. Guy H. Raner, Jr., a Los Angeles high school teacher recalled into the Navy. In 1950, Einstein gave Raner permission to publish a letter in which Einstein expressed his religious opinions. Raner confesses that he feels that it would be of little value now to publish it due to “the increasing tide of intolerance” and the fact that “the McCarthy’s and other political, economic, and religious reactionaries would not hesitate to attack you as they have anyone else who disagreed with their 15th century brand of thinking”. Raner proposes an extensive plan – a book written by a large group of international experts in every field of science – to combat the problem. A fascinating response by Einstein on McCarthyism’s stranglehold on academic freedom. $10,000 - $15,000

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