“A human being is a part of the whole, called by us, "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest -- a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.”

Well said.

He plagiarized my essays. ;-)

Bravo....Bravo Albert!! These words are part of the foundation of Personal Enlightenment. Bravo Albert!

I have used this many times and believe it should be on the cover of all school books.

Whatever ... like I said, stick to physics.

Robert, I agree, but how about in all hotel rooms instead of Gideon's contribution to divisive theology.

This statement is completely compatible with Christian thought. Perhaps it is even almost an adequate expression of Christianity.

It's also completely compatible with Buddhist thought and enlightened secular thought. Eternal truths are often laid claim to by religions attempting to enroll more followers instead of inspiring others to simply do good.

Enlightened Secular Thought. There's an oxymoron.

Sometimes Archer attempts to revise Christian precepts or misquote Bible verses, when he wants to try to prove something, only revealing his lack of understanding. At other times he criticizes the same principles, when thay are not compatible with his own. Here he libels allChristians without even the courage to say so directly, while ignoring that Jesus told his followers to teach others the truth. The clearest thing about Archer is his bigoted ignorance.

When I first read this statement, I was moved to tears. Teaching English at college, I introduce it to my students in the first class to tell them to widen thier circle of compassion.

It seems amazing to me to see a scientific mind speaking like this.Albert sounds more like an avatar or profet than a scientist, it proves to me in a way that god really exist.Very proud of you Albert!!

This statement of the connectedness of the mental or the conscious with both itself and the rest of nature moves us because within it we intuitively recognise an essential truth uniting our experience. It is particularly rewarding to see this truth being echoed by one of science's most respected prophets, rather than the prophets and gurus of eastern philosophies and religions. This, being one of the most fundamental spiritual insights, connects us all.

Einstein speaks of his personal insight and reflection observed.
Blind compassion can lead to passiveness and self destruction. 
As has been well observed today with nations and the destruction of their own culture for the sake of globalism. 

Consistent with my response to David above, I am a joint heir with Christ to the King of the universe. My physical elements are made up of the universe's existence (tangible, intangible, energy — what ever corporeal man's current measuring equation, sort of a dust of the earth if you will). I am also an individual spirit of the King's family. Here, Einsteins measured perception is spot on in the realm at which it is given.