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Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and Attributed by his friend Leo Mattersdorf, who also said that "From the time Professor Einstein came to this country until his death, I prepared his income tax returns and advised him on his tax problems." In a letter to Time magazine, 22 February 1963. See this post from The Quote Investigator for…, but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: Attributed by his friend Leo Mattersdorf, who also said that "From the time Professor Einstein came to this country until his death, I prepared his income tax returns and advised him on his tax problems." In a letter to Time magazine, 22 February 1963. See this post from The Quote Investigator for…
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This page records the wording "The hardest thing in the world to understand is income…," which centers on hardest, thing, world. 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 education and wisdom context.
When to use it
- Use "The hardest thing in the world to understand is income…" in a education discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of hardest with thing 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.