Out of My Later Years

The Scientist, Philosopher, and Man Portrayed Through His Own Words

By: Albert Einstein

Narrated by: Henry Leyva

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

An inspiring collection of essays, in which Albert Einstein addresses the topics that fascinated him as a scientist, philosopher, and humanitarian. Divided by subject matter - “Science,” “Convictions and Beliefs,” “Public Affairs,” etc. - these essays consider everything from the need for a “supranational” governing body to control war in the atomic age, to freedom in research and education, to Jewish history and Zionism, to explanations of the physics and scientific thought that brought him world recognition.

Throughout, Einstein’s clear, eloquent voice presents an idealist’s vision and relays complex theories to the layperson. Einstein’s essays share his philosophical beliefs, scientific reasoning, and hopes for a brighter future, and show how one of the greatest minds of all time fully engaged with the changing world around him. This authorized Philosophical Library audiobook features never-before-seen documents from the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“Ethical axioms are found and tested not very differently from the axioms of science. Truth is what stands the test of experience.” - Albert Einstein, “The Law of Science and the Laws of Ethics”

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was born in Germany and became an American citizen in 1940. A world-famous theoretical physicist, he as awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics and is renowned for his Theory of Relativity. In addition to his scientific work, Einstein was an influential humanist who spoke widely about politics, ethics, and social causes. After leaving Europe, Einstein taught at Princeton University. His theories were instrumental in shaping the atomic age.

©1956 Philosophical Library (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Historically Interesting but Quite Dated

This is a collection of Einstein letters, speeches and essays from his later years after 1934. The narration is very clear and straightforward. The introduction indicates this is the second volume of essays, the first volume being “The World as I See It”, which, it seems is not available on Audible. There is a huge overlap between this volume and “Essays in Humanism” and “The Theory of Relativity”. This volume includes Einstein’s thoughts on science and society, pacifism, world government, Zionism, humanism, and other topics. Many of these essays are dated other than for a personal or historical perspective. Although relativity and quantum theory are discussed here, this is definitely not the best place to start learning these subjects.

A collection of Einstein's ideas. Perfect narrator

It is great for what it is. There are a couple of gems, the idea that intelligence is a slave to the spiritual self being one of them. He speaks about his work to form a world government which was his focus at the time. There are reflections on the Jewish people and their persecution. He talks of the general inability of intellectualism to have political influence. There are several chapters on a hand wavey version of relativity. The letters from Russia were fun.

Others have said that the approach to topics are dated, but I honestly think that history is repeating itself, and so many points he makes are relevant today. I have also been thinking about how we would instantiate global hegemony, so it is nice to hear his thoughts on that.

It is an analytical adventure, nothing more nothing less. If you enjoy reading widely without point, as I do, this book is really great.