Einstein wrote his essay: The world as I see it in English or German?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the original language of Einstein's essay "The World as I See It," exploring whether it was written in English or German. Participants express curiosity about the grammar and style of the essay, as well as its cultural influences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the original language of the essay, suggesting it might be English due to their unfamiliarity with the grammar.
  • Another participant notes that the essay may have been influenced by traditional religious English, referencing biblical texts as a potential source of style.
  • Some participants assert that Einstein originally wrote the essay in German, citing the title "Mein Weltbild."
  • A link to the German version of the essay is provided by one participant.
  • There is a brief comment on the interest level of the essay, with a note on adhering to forum rules regarding language.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants disagree on the original language of the essay, with some asserting it was written in German and others questioning this. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the authorship of the English version.

Contextual Notes

There are references to cultural influences on the essay's language, but no consensus on the original language or authorship of the English translation is reached.

FVS
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A very famous one which starts with:
"What an extraordinary situation is that of us mortals! Each of us is here for a
brief sojourn; for what ..."
I'm a little curious because I'm not an English native and feel so strange by grammar of the essay. And I guess he did write it originally in English :D Someone know about this :) ?
 
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Hi FVS! Welcome to PF! :smile:

I don't know whether Einstein wrote this piece of English, or whether a translator wrote it, but whoever it was was obviously influenced by traditional religious English.

If you look at the King James Version or the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, or traditional Christian or Jewish prayer-books, you'll see where he was coming from! :wink:
 
Einstein wrote it in German under the title Mein Weltbild.
 
[STRIKE]Der Aufsatz ist sehr interessant.[/STRIKE]

Edit: Keeping with the forum rules; "The essay is very interesting." :redface:
 
Last edited:
Please keep to PF rules:

All posts must be in English. Posts in other languages will be deleted.
 

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