Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mathematical truths endure indefinitely while political concerns are fleeting and temporary.
In plain terms
Equations last forever, but politics is only for now.
What can you take from it?
Value enduring truths over temporary political victories.

Where it applies

  • career choices
  • research priorities
  • political debates

Putting it to work

  • focusing on fundamental research
  • prioritizing truth
  • seeking lasting impact

Questions to consider

  • What makes something eternal?
  • Is truth independent of politics?

Another view

Equations can still be reinterpreted or superseded by new theories.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. That is simple my friend: because politics is more difficult than physics.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. When a man sits with a pretty girl for an hour, it seems like a minute. But let him sit on a hot stove for a minute and it's longer than any hour. That's relat…

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.

    Permalink to quote #68

Related quotes

  1. But for the media to name their coverage of the 2003 invasion of Iraq the same as what the Pentagon calls it-everyday seeing 'Operation Iraqi Freedom'-you have…

    Amy GoodmanAmy Goodman quote #1
  2. Even a purely moral act that has no hope of any immediate and visible political effect can gradually and indirectly, over time, gain in political significance.

    Vaclav HavelVaclav Havel quote #1
  3. 'Mr. Richardson's endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, i…

    James CarvilleJames Carville quote #1