Albert Einstein: Stupidity & Greed

Albert Einstein Money Quote saying there are forces at work that are greater than some can withstand which focus on money, chief among them is greed. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Einstein identifies what he believes are the three most powerful and influential forces in the world – stupidity, fear, and greed. He seems to be suggesting that much of what happens globally is driven primarily by these human factors.

Einstein is likely implying that stupidity (or lack of wisdom/intelligence), fear (of uncertainty, change, others, etc.), and greed (for money, power, resources) are the dominant motivators of many individuals and societies.

His view appears to be that world events and the course of human affairs are shaped significantly more by these negative human traits than by reason, empathy or ethics. Overall, the quote portrays Einstein as believing that stupidity, fear and greed have immense sway over the direction of worldly affairs and the state of humanity.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955

Albert Einstein: Dollar Chasers

Albert Einstein Money Quote saying many see Americans as chasers of money and that is perpetuated by those same Americans. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“Too many of us look upon Americans as dollar chasers. This is a cruel libel, even if it is reiterated thoughtlessly by the Americans themselves” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Einstein appears to be criticizing the stereotype that Americans are solely motivated by pursuing money and wealth. He calls this view of Americans as “dollar chasers” a “cruel libel”, meaning an unfair or untrue slander. Einstein suggests that even though some Americans themselves may thoughtlessly repeat this stereotype, it is an inaccurate generalization.

He seems to be arguing that Americans have complex motivations beyond just chasing dollars, and that reducing them only to their relationship with money is an oversimplification that does them an injustice. Overall, Einstein appears to be pushing back against simplistic portrayals of Americans as single-mindedly focused only on acquiring currency, asserting there is more depth to the American character and experience.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955

Albert Einstein: Compound Interest Wonder

Albert Einstein Money Quote saying Compound interest is a fascinating thing that pays those smart enough to make use of it. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Einstein is expressing admiration for the power of compound interest. He refers to it as the “eighth wonder of the world”, suggesting it is as remarkable and impactful as the other famous Wonders of the World.

Einstein means that compound interest, where interest is earned on prior interest in addition to principal, has astonishing ability to generate returns over long periods of time.

His message is that those who take the time to understand how compound interest works will know how to earn it (such as by investing), whereas those who do not make the effort to comprehend it will end up paying it (for example, by taking out loans and paying interest).

In essence, Einstein is emphasizing the tremendous financial value and rewards that accrue to those who have insight into the mathematical magic of compounding returns over long time horizons.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955

Albert Einstein: Income Tax Hardest Thing

Albert Einstein Money Quote saying even genius finds the tax code difficult to comprehend. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax” — Albert Einstein

This quote suggests that Albert Einstein found the income tax system to be extremely complex and difficult to understand fully. He appears to be commenting on the numerous deductions, exemptions, tax brackets, and other intricacies that make calculating one’s income tax liability a challenging task.

Einstein is likely implying that the income tax code has so many nuances and caveats that even a brilliant mind like his struggled to comprehend it completely. In short, he viewed the income tax system as being among the most complicated things for a person to grasp.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955

Albert Einstein: Politics of Poverty

Albert Einstein Money Quotation saying a populace that cannot afford food or basic necessities cannot be led effectively or inspired by political high ideals when hungry. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“An empty stomach is not a good political advisor” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Einstein seems to be commenting on how hunger or basic physical needs can cloud one’s political or social judgment. He appears to mean that when one is preoccupied with emptying their stomach (satisfying hunger), they will not give careful, reasoned consideration to political matters.

Einstein is likely implying that an empty stomach, representing a state of deprivation and preoccupation with fundamental sustenance, prevents clear-headed analysis of political issues. In essence, he means that being overly focused on alleviating immediate needs leaves one ill-equipped to consider politics in an impartial, well-informed manner.

The quote suggests physical deprivation hampers one’s ability to act or think politically in a prudent way.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955

Albert Einstein: Selfishness

Albert Einstein Money Quotation saying everyone believes the myth that riches erode character and that no good people could possibly be in possession of cash. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“Money only appeals to selfishness and irresistibly invites abuse. Can anyone imagine Moses, Jesus or Ghandi armed with the money-bags of Carnegie?” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Einstein appears to be criticizing the corrupting influence of large amounts of money and wealth. He suggests that money tends to appeal to and encourage selfishness and self-interest in people.

Einstein also argues that having access to huge sums of money like the wealthy businessman Andrew Carnegie “irresistibly invites abuse”, meaning it strongly tempts people toward corruption, unfair practices, or using their wealth in irresponsible ways to further their own interests over others.

By asking if figures like Moses, Jesus or Gandhi could be imagined wielding the same “money-bags” as Carnegie, Einstein implies that their moral character and missions would have been compromised or distorted by large financial resources in the way that often happens with wealth.

Overall, he expresses skepticism about money’s potentially corrupting effects on ethics and leadership.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955

Albert Einstein: Earning a Living in Science

Albert Einstein Money Quotation saying It’s possible to passionately enjoy a pursuit of interest until there is a reliance on it for income – then it becomes work. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one’s living at it” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Albert Einstein seems to be commenting on the challenges of pursuing science, and particularly theoretical or fundamental science, as a means of earning a living and supporting oneself financially.

His point appears to be that science can be most freely explored, and yield the greatest discoveries and insights, when it is not constrained by commercial or economic pressures.

When one “does not have to earn one’s living at it”, science can be followed purely out of intellectual curiosity and passion for knowledge, without the need to focus research on areas most likely to lead to profitable applications or funding.

So Einstein is suggesting science is best experienced, in its purest form, when it is not a person’s primary means of earning an income and supporting themselves, but rather an avocation pursued with freedom from financial necessity or obligation.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955