EINSTEIN, ALBERT. Typed letter signed ("A. Einstein") to Julius C. Hoch in Chicago; Caputh bei Potsdam, 12 November 1932. One page, 4to, on Einstein's printed letterhead stationery, slight fraying to edges, upper edge with traces of old tape repair, minor creasing, in German. Replying to a request that he intervene in a political matter, Einstein denies that his voice carries weight: "I find very much of what you have written to be objectively correct. In general I believe that when freed from special interests good intentions can easily find the steps that need to be taken. But the powerful must always take heed of the power of those upon whom their position is based, and the masses are always too busy and too apathetic, as well as too deficient in understanding, to be able to represent their own interests effectively. You considerably overestimate the possibilities for me or for anyone similarly situated to be of influence. The slightest conflict of interest is enough to blow out the incense candles [ie., lit in Einstein's honor]."

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EINSTEIN, ALBERT. Typed letter signed ("A. Einstein") to Julius C. Hoch in Chicago; Caputh bei Potsdam, 12 November 1932. One page, 4to, on Einstein's printed letterhead stationery, slight fraying to edges, upper edge with traces of old tape repair, minor creasing, in German. Replying to a request that he intervene in a political matter, Einstein denies that his voice carries weight: "I find very much of what you have written to be objectively correct. In general I believe that when freed from special interests good intentions can easily find the steps that need to be taken. But the powerful must always take heed of the power of those upon whom their position is based, and the masses are always too busy and too apathetic, as well as too deficient in understanding, to be able to represent their own interests effectively. You considerably overestimate the possibilities for me or for anyone similarly situated to be of influence. The slightest conflict of interest is enough to blow out the incense candles [ie., lit in Einstein's honor]."