I came to America because of the great, great freedom which I heard existed in this country. I made a mistake in selecting America as a land of freedom, a mistake I cannot repair in the balance of my lifetime.

Share this quote

Attribution note

No reliable primary or scholarly source confirms this exact wording as Albert Einstein's. It is widely circulated under his name and is listed as commonly attributed.

About this quote

This wording, beginning "I came to America because of the great, great freedom…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on america, great, great. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to science and life.

When to use it

  • Use "I came to America because of the great, great freedom…" in a science discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
  • Compare its treatment of america with great 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.