This extraordinary handwritten letter by Albert Einstein, addressed to his son Eduard, reveals the renowned physicist's joy and personal reflections during a pivotal moment in his career. In the letter, Einstein announces:
"I finally solved to my total satisfaction, after immensely intensive work, my gravitation-electricity problem. This, in a way, concludes my life's work—the remainder simply is bonus material."
At the time, Einstein believed he had achieved a breakthrough in his pursuit of the Unified Field Theory, an ambitious attempt to reconcile the laws of gravity and electromagnetism. Though he published his refined theory later that year, it sparked debates within the scientific community and failed to gain universal acceptance, especially as quantum mechanics gained prominence. Einstein’s Unified Field Theory remains an unsolved mystery to this day.
The letter also reveals a deeply personal side of Einstein. Writing with warmth and humor, he shares his excitement about his work, his frugal lifestyle, and his admiration for George Bernard Shaw’s writings on socialism and capitalism. It concludes with an invitation to Eduard, nicknamed “Tetel,” to visit him, underscoring Einstein’s role as a devoted father.
This remarkable document offers an intimate glimpse into Einstein's intellect, character, and humanity during a defining chapter of his scientific journey.
Ink on paper
5.75 x 8.25 inches (both sides)
