"It's only my husband's fault" - a letter from Albert Einstein's wife Elsa Einstein

"It's only my husband's fault" - a letter from Albert Einstein's wife Elsa Einstein

Fascinating handwritten letter signed by Mrs. Elsa Einstein - wife of Albert Einstein. In it she explains to the family friend Danish journalist Mrs. Karen Stampe-Bendix, the principle of zero expectations from children for peace of mind and freedom from emotional hurt: "Of course we will always be here for our children, but our children will never be here for us. It simply does not work that way...".  Berlin, [1930s].

After apologizing for not seeing the letter sent to her "because of her husband" who places the letters that arrive on her desk without informing her that mail has arrived, the letter slipped past her notice. She addresses Karen's emotional state following hardships she has endured, and teaches her a fundamental principle of the psychology of the mind.

The text of the letter:

"My dear Mrs. Karin,

Just today, on the 13th of July, I am reading your letter. Its’ the truth, my word of honor! I had never seen it before. It's only my husband’s fault. He opens all the mail, if a letter is addressed to me, he puts it on my desk without saying a word. Unless for a specific reason, I generally don’t check what’s scattered on my desk. You surely must have been thinking that I could not care less about you. What a pity! I certainly would have called you, particularly if I had known of your woes sooner. Now, I am saying - don’t let this derail your good mood! While we will always be here for our children, our children will never be here for us. It just does not work that way. The sooner your mind will accept that bitter truth, the better off you will be and no longer vulnerable to getting emotionally hurt in that way. May you have the strength to come to that realization. Once you recognize you are left to your own devices, you will appreciate every thoughtful action by your child that comes your way and you take that as a gift and not just for granted. This will eventually free you from getting hurt emotionally. Do come for a visit on a sunny day, but write us beforehand. Make sure the envelope is marked: personal and important. My husband is so happy out here as nowhere else. He will be going on walks with you. Just let us know which day you will be coming, as it often happens that we have many guests.

Sending Heartfelt Greetings, Your Elsa Einstein".

Elsa Einstein [1876-1936] was the second wife and cousin of Albert Einstein. Since Elsa's marriage to Albert Einstein in June 1919, she spent most of her married life with him in the role of his gatekeeper. Elsa passed away after a serious illness on December 20, 1936.

The letter's recipient Karen Stampe-Bendix (1881-1963) was a Danish educationist, screenwriter and author. The daughter of the Jewish-Danish composer Victor Bendix and the noblewoman, writer and philanthropist Rigmor Stampe-Bendix. In the 1930s, Stampe-Bendix befriended the Einstein couple and even published a long profile piece on Einstein in the Danish newspaper "Politiken".

[3] written pages. Minor stains. Very good condition. Includes a printed full English translation of the letter.