Einstein was the mathematical genius, who formulated the relativity theory, which most of us of normal and even high intelligence don't understand. Einstein was also an extraordinary man, who lived in extraordinary times. The selection of texts in "The World as I See it" is evidence of this extraordinary man and his views on an array of subjects more in the field social and political science and mathematics written in the period between WW1 and WW2. He writes of the plight of science, academic societies and institutions, economy, pacifism, Jews and the making of a Jewish land in Palestine.
This is my first introduction to Einstein and I was touched by several elements of "The World as I See it".
Firstly, the flow and rhythm of the texts. Einstein surely had a way a words and getting them to relay his opinions clearly and precisely.
Secondly, Einstein's non-persuasive manner. He writes his opinion with sound argumentation, but he does not impose his opinions on his reader or listener.
Thirdly, I learnt new things about the famous Einstein. His letters concering his exclusion from the Prussian academic society are a good example, Einstein's deep belief in pacifism and the making of what would later be Israel.
Finally, I most say, it is very interest to read "The World as I See it" with the knowledge that Einstein wrote the texts between the 1st and 2nd World Wars. The knowledge of the world events that followed chronologically was ever present in my mind as I read, and it gave the texts an edge.
Louise