“The highest principles for our aspirations and judgments are given to us in the Jewish-Christian religious tradition. It is a very high goal which, with our weak powers, we can reach only very inadequately, but which gives a sure foundation to our aspirations and valuations.”
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Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and Ch. 8 "Science and Religion" (1939-1941), p. 23, but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: Ch. 8 "Science and Religion" (1939-1941), p. 23
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This page records the wording "The highest principles for our aspirations and judgments are given…," which centers on highest, principles, aspirations. 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 spirituality and motivation context.
When to use it
- Use "The highest principles for our aspirations and judgments are given…" in a spirituality discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of highest with principles in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion. Use the closing phrase "foundation to our aspirations and valuations." 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.