“I am a determinist. As such, I do not believe in free will. The Jews believe in free will. They believe that man shapes his own life. I reject that doctrine philosophically. In that respect, I am not a Jew.”
Share this quote
Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and Quoted in Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson, p. 387, but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: Quoted in Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson, p. 387
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This page records the wording "I am a determinist. As such, I do not believe…," which centers on determinist, believe, believe. 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 life and philosophy context.
When to use it
- Use "I am a determinist. As such, I do not believe…" in a life discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of determinist with believe in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion. Use the closing phrase "respect, I am not a Jew." to distinguish the example.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.