“I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the Earth might be killed, but enough men capable of thinking, and enough books, would be left to start again, and civilization could be restored.”
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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 do not believe that civilization will be wiped out…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on believe, civilization, wiped. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to creativity and justice.
When to use it
- Use "I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out…" in a creativity discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of believe with civilization 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.