True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.

If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects.

For an idea which, at first, does not seem absurd, there is no hope.

If my theory of relativity is proven successful, Germany will claim me as a German and France will declare me a citizen of the world. Should my theory prove untrue, France will say that I am a German, and Germany will declare that I am a Jew.

In one's youth every person and every event appear to be unique. With age one becomes much more aware that similar events recur. Later on, one is less often delighted or surprised, but also less disappointed than in earlier years.

If I am right the Germans will say I was a German, and the French will say I was a Jew; If I am wrong the Germans will say I was a Jew and the French will say I was a German.

Man owes his strength in the struggle for existence to the fact that he is a social animal.