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If one purges the Judaism of the Prophets and Christianity as Jesus Christ taught it of all subsequent additions, especially those of the priests, one is left with a teaching which is capable of curing all the social ills of humanity. It is the duty of every man of good will to strive steadfastly in his own little world to make this teaching of pure humanity a living force, so far as he can. If he makes an honest attempt in this direction without being crushed and trampled under foot by his contemporaries, he may consider himself and the community to which he belongs lucky.

Albert Einstein#146

EthicsSocietyHumanityMorality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Pure moral teachings from Prophets and Jesus can cure social ills if applied honestly.
In plain terms
Simple good teachings can fix society.
What can you take from it?
Apply pure moral teachings to your own world.

Where it applies

  • ethical living
  • social justice
  • community building

Putting it to work

  • practicing kindness
  • advocating reform

Questions to consider

  • What is your duty to society?
  • Can kindness cure society?

Another view

Social ills are often structural and not fixed by personal goodwill.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. The United States is the most powerful technically advanced country in the world to-day. Its influence on the shaping of international relations is absolutely …

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  2. May the conscience and the common sense of the peoples be awakened, so that we may reach a new stage in the life of nations, where people will look back on war…

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  3. The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and …

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