Devotion, patience, a spirit of comradeship...
Hello everybody…
I was reading Einstein's collected letters and interviews and came across a 1921 interview about his first visit to the US, and his thoughts on the US in general. Perhaps you will find this of interest.
In it he says: "We are unjust in attempting to ascribe the increasing superiority of American research work exclusively to superior wealth. Devotion, patience, a spirit of comradeship, and a talent for cooperation play an important part in its successes."
That's quite an amazing observation. Wealth can certainly accomplish a lot, but the magic of America's scientific superiority at the time, according to Einstein, was due to devotion, patience, a spirit of friendship united by mission, and a talent for cooperation.
He writes a few other things worth pointing out:
He says Americans at that time had a "joyous, positive attitude to life. The smile on the faces of the people in the photographs is symbolical of one of the greatest assets of the American. He is friendly, self-confident, optimistic--and without envy." Notice what he did not say. He did not say they were hyper competitive, fierce, always out to be best and to win at all costs. He said Americans were friendly, self-confident, optimistic, and without envy.
Do you believe this is a fit description for today?
In a brief passage of some ill-effects of Prohibition, he claims that it limited opportunity for people to gather and discuss. He writes, "the public house is a place which gives people the opportunity to exchange views and ideas on public affairs. As far as I can see, such an opportunity is lacking in this country, the result being that the Press, which is mostly controlled by vested interests, has an excessive influence on public opinion."
It's hard not to see the parallels to today.
Yet at the heart of his comment is a belief that human proximity matters. Discussion in a friendly setting can lead to new thinking, collaborative work, fresh understanding. Talking in person has a special force. Indeed, a 5 minute chat at the coffee shop can reverse a full month's worth of internet brainwashing.
We were recently called "sheeple" online for our mask policy. We're in the midst of a world-wide viral contagion, so one must prioritize certain things. We've decided what is important to us, what we stand for. We stand for human communication and human service. We are fortunate that masks and spatial distance work, thus we have our store set up as we do.
A coffee shop should not be reduced to a place to kick off the shoes and plug in a laptop. At the core, a coffee shop brings together gourmet coffee and baked goods, culture, ideas, and genuine human warmth. You pay for a cup of coffee, but get vastly more... perhaps even a sense of comradeship.
Please do respond if your heart desires, or stop in any time this week to discuss. We are always here, always willing to listen and to explore ideas... with masks, and standing somewhat askew.
Very best wishes from
your friend,
William