If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.

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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 "If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on aspires, towards, righteous. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to justice and life.

When to use it

  • Use "If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first…" in a justice discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
  • Compare its treatment of aspires with towards 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.