“There is far too great a disproportion between what one is and what others think one is, or at least what they say they think one is.”
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 "There is far too great a disproportion between what one…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on great, disproportion, others. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to philosophy and wisdom.
When to use it
- Use "There is far too great a disproportion between what one…" in a philosophy discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of great with disproportion 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.