“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”
This poignant French verse appears in a 1955 letter from Albert Einstein. He sent it to the historian of science, I. B. Cohen. The words were not his own; he was quoting an unnamed source. However, his choice to share this particular sentiment speaks volumes. It offers a rare glimpse into the personal philosophy of a man known for his revolutionary scientific theories. The quote translates roughly to: “We die twice, I see it well: To cease to love and be lovable is an unbearable death; To cease to live is nothing.”
This correspondence reveals a profound truth. Einstein, near the end of his life, reflected on what truly matters. He suggests that a social and emotional death is far more painful than a physical one. Consequently, understanding the context of this letter helps us appreciate the man behind the science. It shows his deep engagement with the human condition.
The Final Year: Context of the 1955 Letter
The year 1955 was Albert Einstein’s last. Source He passed away in April, making this correspondence with I. B. Cohen one of his final written exchanges. . At this stage, Einstein was a global icon. He was also a man grappling with his legacy, the state of the world post-World War II, and the complexities of human relationships. His work had reshaped our understanding of the universe. Yet, this letter focuses on something far more intimate: the nature of love and connection.
I. B. Cohen was a distinguished professor at Harvard University. He specialized in the history of science, with a particular focus on Isaac Newton. His correspondence with Einstein was part of his scholarly work. Cohen sought to understand the historical lineage of scientific thought. Einstein, as Newton’s successor in many ways, provided a unique perspective. This professional exchange, however, clearly ventured into the personal and philosophical. Einstein felt comfortable enough to share a verse that captured a deep, emotional truth about existence.
This context is crucial. The letter was not a casual note to a close friend. Instead, it was a message to a fellow intellectual. Einstein used the verse to communicate a complex idea about life’s value. He asserted that our connections with others define our existence more than our physical presence. To lose that connection is the ultimate tragedy.
Deconstructing the Two Deaths
The verse presents a powerful dichotomy between two kinds of death. One is a spiritual or emotional end, while the other is the simple cessation of biological life. Einstein’s endorsement of this idea highlights his humanistic worldview.
The “Unbearable Death”: Losing Love
The poem first describes an “unbearable death.” This death is defined as ceasing to love and be lovable (“Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable”). This is not about romance alone. It encompasses the broader capacity for human connection, empathy, and friendship. To be unable to give love or receive it is to become isolated. This isolation is portrayed as a state worse than non-existence. It is a living death, a hollowed-out experience where one’s humanity has withered.
Furthermore, this concept suggests that our identity is fundamentally social. We understand ourselves through our relationships with others. When those bonds break, or our ability to form them disappears, we lose a core part of who we are. For Einstein, a man who fled persecution and maintained a vast network of colleagues and friends, this idea must have resonated deeply. The loss of community and belonging was a tangible threat he understood all too well.
The “Nothingness”: Physical Demise
In stark contrast, the verse describes physical death as “nothing” (“ce n’est rien”). This may seem like a nihilistic statement. However, it is more likely a statement of perspective. Compared to the profound suffering of emotional isolation, the end of life is a simple, natural event. It is a transition into nothingness, free from the pain of a life without love. This view aligns with a philosophical tradition that emphasizes the quality of life over its mere duration.
For a physicist who explored the nature of time and space, the finality of death was a scientific reality. Yet, he chose to emphasize the emotional and psychological realities of living. This perspective elevates the human experience. It suggests that a life rich with connection, however long or short, is a life well-lived. Conversely, a long life devoid of love is the true tragedy. This simple verse, therefore, encapsulates a profound philosophy on what gives life its meaning and what makes its loss truly unbearable.
Einstein’s Humanist Philosophy
This quote perfectly illustrates that Einstein was more than just a scientist. He was a deeply reflective humanist. He frequently wrote about ethics, society, and the human spirit. His choice to share this verse underscores his belief that emotional and moral lives are paramount. While his scientific work explored the impersonal laws of the cosmos, his personal philosophy focused on the connections between people.
Indeed, Einstein often expressed concern for the welfare of humanity. He was a passionate advocate for peace, civil rights, and intellectual freedom. He saw the dangers of isolationism, tribalism, and hatred. The verse from his letter to Cohen is a microcosm of this worldview. It argues that love and amity are not just pleasant emotions. They are the very essence of a meaningful existence. Without them, we are already gone.
In summary, this brief correspondence provides a powerful insight. It reminds us that one of the 20th century’s greatest minds valued love above all else. He saw the termination of our ability to connect as the most significant loss a person could endure. This letter from 1955 is not just a historical artifact. It is a timeless lesson on the priorities of a well-lived life.