Einstein predicts how the war will end
On January 18, 1945, Einstein writes a response to Dr Held predicting that the use of atomic weaponry will decide World War II. Einstein's prediction was accurate. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the 6th and 9th of August 1945 did, in fact, end the war. At the beginning of his letter, Einstein warns Dr Held (who was apparently opposed to the establishment of a supranational authority) that it's forbidden to stop halfway. According to Einstein, If this type of authority is not established, the next world war will definitely erupt. This letter is presently offered for auction with an opening price of $6000 and an estimated sale price of around $20,000. [caption id="attachment_4333" align="aligncenter" width="696"]
18 February 1949 letter. Einstein reply to Dr Alton R. Chapple.[/caption]
Einstein believes that power-hungry leaders will lead to more war and atomic bomb attacks
A more lengthy letter is addressed to Australian pathologist, Dr Alton R. Chapple on 18 February 1949. Einstein analyzes the reasons why it's impossible to prevent the world from using and continuing to develop ammunition for mass destruction. Einstein draws a depressing picture of a world controlled by unrestrained people motivated by their lust for power and control. These people lead the public to doom, due to their need for weapons of mass destruction. According to the same letter, philosophers and thinkers cannot prevent the future development of this type of ammunition for three reasons: 1. There are already sufficient known means for mass destruction. 2. Scientists are continually advancing scientific research, it is impossible to know in advance what application may come of their discoveries. 3. There will always be people so depressed economically that they are led to participate in the development and production of weapons of mass destruction, even if it were clear to them that their work would lead to disaster on a worldwide scale. Einstein lays his faith on the intellectual and moral autonomy of groups and people bold enough to hold to their values in all situations. This letter is mentioned in the book, Einstein on Peace, by Otto Nathan and Heinz Norden. This Einstein letter is presently being auctioned with an opening price of $8000 and an estimated sale price of around $20,000. [caption id="attachment_4335" align="aligncenter" width="696"]
January 18, 1945 letter, Einstein writes a response to Dr Held.[/caption]
At a time when leaders, such as US President Donald Trump, need to negotiate nuclear deals and sanctions, will Einstein foresight continue to be meaningful going forward?
This report was co-written by Avi Blumenthal.
