“This is a question too difficult for a mathematician. It should be asked of a philosopher"(when asked about completing his income tax form)”
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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 "This is a question too difficult for a mathematician. It…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on question, difficult, mathematician. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to science and perseverance.
When to use it
- Use "This is a question too difficult for a mathematician. It…" in a science discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of question with difficult 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.