“A truly rational theory would allow us to deduce the elementary particles (electron, etc.) and not be forced to state them a priori.”
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Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and Letter to Michele Besso (10 September 1952), Letter n°190, Correspondance, 1903-1955 (1972), by Pierre Speziali and Michele Angelo Besso, but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: Letter to Michele Besso (10 September 1952), Letter n°190, Correspondance, 1903-1955 (1972), by Pierre Speziali and Michele Angelo Besso
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This page records the wording "A truly rational theory would allow us to deduce the…," which centers on truly, rational, theory. A concrete trail points toward Einstein, but the exact English form remains unconfirmed; the page therefore labels it as attributed to him while preserving its science and creativity context.
When to use it
- Use "A truly rational theory would allow us to deduce the…" in a science discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of truly with rational in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.