Has everyone read this Einstein quote?

Question

I bring this here simply because I've seen several questions about if an atheist can actually live an ethical life.

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeeded be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death."

Answer 1

Was this Enstein guy in the muppets?

Answer 2

I agree with the first , but not the latter two. Ethics is largely based on sympathy, because sympathy with those who suffer pain or hardships is based on empathy, empathy is based on a deeper understanding and an ability to care about the pain of others. The ability to feel the pain of others, means we are not indifferent and we are not able to be cruel, hurt others, exploit others, violate others because in doing so we endanger our own well being.

Education is not required for ethics, nor are social ties both of which are tools for survival rather than character building or ethics. The hope of reward in a life after death is what many are banking on, as the injustice is carried forth in this life to tremendous measure. And, if they fear punishment, they also fear and respect god. And, according to the bible, the fear of god goes is actually the beginning of knowledge. Einstein was a smart guy, but he may have missed the boat on the inclusion of education and social ties.

Answer 3

See, here is the confusing part, he is talking about ethics, which is different from morality. Ethics are the generally acceptable modes of behavior in a society. Morals are personal standards. So, a societies ethics can be influenced by anything, thus the person merely needs to reflect what the society finds acceptable, and that person will be "ethical". The other thing that is important to note is that Christianity isn't about rewards and punishments, its about being in a loving relationship with God, nomatter where it ends up taking us. I love God for God, and not because he will give me candy if I live a good life. I don't care if he rewards me or not, because I love him. The bible also says there is no fear in love, so why would I be scared of God punishing me if I am in a loving relationship with God? So this statement is actually based on a misconception of real Christianity and a vague use of the word "ethical".

Answer 4

This is interesting (possibly a first for this website!)

It all depends on definitions really.

Religions, be the organised or otherwise, are just beliefs. Everybody has beliefs therefore everybody is religious (if we take the above statement as true.) As an atheist this troubles me somewhat but I can deal with it, it just means I can't pray to God for help.

The perception of ethics is regulated by society or indeed individual beliefs.

People could therefore be perceived as being ethical regardless of race, religion or sex or anything else as long as they adhere to the current rules regarding ethics.

What I'm trying to say is who decides what is ethical? I'm sure this varies throughout the world and even within local groups of people.

The question about can an atheist be ethical is nonsense. The answer to that is yes of course they can. All they would have to do is live life to suit whatever is regarded by that society as ethical, i.e. don't kill anybody, etc. They might still think that the recognised religion or religions are just a bunch of lies told by morons or by people who gain something from it (money, power, that kind of thing.)

Einstein was a bit weird anyway was he not? I'm sure he spent the last years of his life trying to mathematically prove the existence of a god!

P.S. The nutcase talking about e=mc squared and the creator is rabbling nonsense. I on the other hand am just rabbling.

Answer 5

Religion sets out a set of rules to follow without any consider.

Under Einsteins method, which is sound, but is BASED upon SYMPATHY, EDUCATION, SOCIAL TIES.

This implies you need to smart, sympathetic to the other fellow, like a Christian, for example (and Jesus said LOVE YOUR ENEMY THE MOST and JESUS SAID Love Your NEighbor Like You Love Yourself) and have SOCIAIL TIES.

Without those elements your ethical behavior would be biased or imprerfect.

You show your lack of sympathy here by confronting us, something Atheist ask about us when they ask about our LOVE OF YOUR ENEMY and they're right!

IF that's the biasedness in your sympathy, then the answer if you follow this equation will vary from what Einstein would consider the norm.

Einsteins equation is only an ALTERANTIVE.

Christians who follow the model of Jesus meet all of his terms. They learn the bible (and generally several langauges, most of the Disciples spoke and wrote Greek, Hebrew, Aramatic and Farse, some possibly spoke and wrote Latin as well), they have skills (most of the disciples were ARTISANS, Jesus was an ARTISAN, he was a CARPENTER, he knew how to make furniture with and without nails and make it stay together), they go from door to door meeting the world and bring the word, so they have social ties. When asked for their Coats they give their Cloaks as well, so they are sympathetic.

A good Christians is symapthetic, educated and socially integrated.

He meets the Einstein motiff!

Answer 6

I am a Christian and I understand his point and believe the same yet that does not mean that God is any different. Man just happens to be in the sad situation he describes. While religeous basis is not a necessary for acting correctly having Jesus as a friend makes it much easier. Einstein believed there is a God, and if you know this quote you know that as well so are you trying to mislead people???

Answer 7

Einstein was a brilliant scientist and a genius, what he quotes on ethical behaviour is true, however, man is in a poor way because of his own deeds and not neccessary religion. Most religions teach love, peace and respect for your fellow man.

Cheers!

Answer 8

I absolutely agree. Side note: Have you ever actually met an atheist who said things like "I don't believe in God; I can do whatever I want and not feel bad about it!!" I don't think I've ever heard anyone in my life say that, and I know plenty of nonreligious people. Theists imply that all or most atheists have that attitude... where are they getting that idea from?

Answer 9

Well, I did not know that it was from Einstein. I thought Osho (Acharya Rajneesh) said it so.

Well, why can't an atheist live an ethical life? Atheist perhaps does not believe in God but God does in him/her. This is why God is God.

Fear of punishment is for those who do not believe that God is The Father. They are punished because they do not have guts to ask sorry for their sins.

Those who bow down before Him get to merge in Him. Bowing down because of his affection, because of thankfulness, not because of fear. And then God bows down for them in return. That's why God is God.

I hope that answers your question Mr. Professor.

Answer 10

Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.
Albert Einstein

Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions.
Albert Einstein

My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.
Albert Einstein

Answer 11

No, I had not seen it before. I'm ambivalent about it: I agree with it and also disagree.

My two favorite Einstein quotes are:

1. Not everything that can be counted counts; and not everything that counts can be counted.

2. Everything should be made as simple as possible; but not simpler.