“We are inclined to overemphasize the material influences in history. The Russians especially make this mistake. Intellectual values and ethnic influences, tradition and emotional factors are equally important. If this were not the case, Europe would today be a federated state, not a madhouse of nationalism.”
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Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and Viereck interview (1929), but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: Viereck interview (1929)
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This page records the wording "We are inclined to overemphasize the material influences in history.…," which centers on inclined, overemphasize, material. 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 honesty context.
When to use it
- Use "We are inclined to overemphasize the material influences in history.…" in a education discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of inclined with overemphasize in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
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