"Like many scientists Einstein was politically rather naïve. He hated violence and war and could not understand why his own natural sweet reasonableness was not universal. Absolutely truthful himself, he tended to be credulous in political questions and was easily and often imposed on by unscrupulous individuals and groups. Indeed, his innate kindness of heart and loyalty to his race were often exploited especially in his later years when his signature to documents, no matter on what topic, was held up to give it special importance. As a theoretical physicist Einstein stands alone in this century and perhaps in any century. His brilliant originality, his fecund adventurous imagination, his uncompromising logic, and his clear exposition have probably never been equalled. As a man his simplicity and kindliness, his unpretentious interest in others and his sense of humour charmed all who knew him. A very great man has vanished."
January 1, 1970