What did Albert Einstein write in a letter to Marie Curie in 1911?

This letter, recently revealed through the Digital Einstein Papers project .

In 1911, during a turbulent time in Marie Curie's life, Albert Einstein sent her a letter of encouragement , expressing deep sympathy and sincere friendship between two of humanity's most brilliant minds. Although more than a century has passed, the story of this letter still has profound meaning, reminding us of the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.

Marie Curie and the storm of public opinion

Scientist Marie Curie.

Marie Curie, born on November 7, 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, is one of the most remarkable icons of modern science. The first woman to receive a Nobel Prize in 1903, she and her husband, Pierre Curie, were honored for their groundbreaking research on radioactivity. However, the glory was short-lived as tragedy struck when Pierre died in 1906 in a tragic accident.

After her death, Marie Curie continued her scientific work, shouldering the responsibilities and passions she and Pierre had shared. In 1910, Curie began a relationship with Paul Langevin, a younger physicist and Pierre's former student. Langevin, who was in an unhappy marriage, found sympathy and understanding in Curie. However, the relationship was discovered by Langevin's wife.

In addition to her public criticism, the wife hired someone to break into Curie and Langevin's apartment to steal their personal correspondence, which she then published in the tabloids. The articles not only defamed Curie, but also used xenophobic and anti-Semitic language. They called her a 'homewrecker'.

At the same time, Curie also failed to gain admission to the French Academy of Sciences, a defeat that was attributed more to prejudice against her gender and foreign background than to any lack of ability. However, amid the storm of public opinion, Curie attended the 1911 Solvay Conference in Brussels, where she met with the world's leading scientists, including Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Ernest Rutherford.

Einstein and his humane words of encouragement

Witnessing the unfair treatment that Curie suffered, Albert Einstein wrote a heartfelt letter to encourage her.

In the letter, Einstein wrote:

Dear Sister Curie,

Don't laugh at me for writing this letter to you and saying nothing but nonsense. But you know, I'm very angry at the way public opinion is pointing its sharp spears at you. I have to say it to relieve my anger.

Sister Curie, I am also sure that your contempt for the noisy crowd out there who like to make trouble for gifts is no less than mine.

From the bottom of my heart, I have to say that I admire your intelligence, your drive and your honesty. I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet you in Brussels. And it was a great honor to have had the opportunity to talk to you and Langevin.

Miss Curie, if these scoundrels continue to gossip about you, simply stop reading their nonsense. Instead, let them enjoy their own nonsense. The more you show interest, the more nonsense will be invented.

Einstein's words were not only a sharing of feelings but also a recognition of Marie Curie. He affirmed that her value was not affected by the slander from public opinion.

Despite the criticism, Marie Curie continued her scientific career. In December 1911, she traveled to Stockholm to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discoveries of radium and polonium, becoming the first and only person to date to win two Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.

The decision to appear at the award ceremony, despite calls from the Swedish Academy to stay away to avoid controversy, showed Curie's determination to put science first.

Marie Curie and Albert Einstein later developed a deep friendship . They often vacationed together and continued to support each other in their scientific endeavors. When Einstein faced political criticism, Curie stood up for him and encouraged him.

Albert Einstein once praised Curie not only for her intellect but also for her admirable personality. He commented that Curie's strength and resilience was an inspiration to a whole generation, not only in science but also in overcoming social barriers.

The story of Albert Einstein and Marie Curie's friendship is as relevant today as it was then, when individuals – especially women – still face prejudice and pressure from society. Einstein's letter is a testament to the power of empathy and true friendship, while Marie Curie's journey reminds us of the value of perseverance and relentless effort.

More than a century on, Marie Curie's legacy remains a beacon of scientific excellence and personal courage. Albert Einstein's letter, though only a small fragment, helps to highlight the spirit of two great men. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, true values ​​and humanity will always survive and endure.