Albert Einstein's Letter to Marie Curie

A letter of solidarity from one brilliant mind to another during a time of public persecution

When the French press was viciously attacking Marie Curie's reputation in newspapers, Albert Einstein wrote this powerful letter of support to defend her dignity and character.

The Letter

Prague, 23 November 1911

Highly esteemed Mrs. Curie,

Do not laugh at me for writing you without having anything sensible to say. But I am so enraged by the base manner in which the public is presently daring to concern itself with you that I absolutely must give vent to this feeling. However, I am convinced that you consistently despise this rabble, whether it obsequiously lavishes respect on you or whether it attempts to satiate its lust for sensationalism!

I am impelled to tell you how much I have come to admire your intellect, your drive, and your honesty, and that I consider myself lucky to have made your personal acquaintance in Brussels. Anyone who does not number among these reptiles is certainly happy, now as before, that we have such personages among us as you, and Langevin too, real people with whom one feels privileged to be in contact. If the rabble continues to occupy itself with you, then simply don't read that hogwash, but rather leave it to the reptile for whom it has been fabricated.

With most amicable regards to you, Langevin, and Perrin, yours very truly,

A. Einstein

Historical Context

This letter was written during a particularly difficult period in Marie Curie's life when she faced intense media scrutiny and personal attacks from the French press. Einstein's words of support demonstrate the solidarity between two of history's greatest scientific minds and his recognition of her extraordinary contributions to science.