In November 1922, Albert Einstein was on his way to Japan to give a lecture when he was told that he had been awarded the Nobel Prize in physics. People in Japan were already eager to meet the famous physicist, and this news only intensified the excitement. Einstein was somewhat overwhelmed by all the publicity, so when he arrived in Japan he secluded himself in his hotel room to write down his thoughts and feelings.
Just then, a messenger arrived with a delivery. Einstein wanted to give him a tip, but he either didn’t have small change or the messenger would not accept money. So Einstein instead scribbled out two short notes and handed them to the messenger. “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness,” read one. And the other: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Reportedly, Einstein said to the messenger, “Someday these notes will be worth more than spare change.”
And indeed they are. Those autographed notes recently sold at an auction for nearly two million dollars. But the true value of Einstein’s simple wisdom, scratched on hotel stationery, can’t be counted in dollars.
Today the temptation is as strong as ever to seek happiness in a restless pursuit of success. And yet the faster we run, the more likely we are to run right past what we’re seeking. We need time to reflect and ponder, to slow down and think, to enjoy the people around us-moments of calmness, of contentment, of peace-to make sure we are on the right track.
It’s not always easy to find such moments. But as Einstein wrote on that other priceless piece of paper, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” It might take great strength of will, but we can slow down and be purposeful about how we’re spending our time. It’s never too late to change course, refocus our priorities, and be more thoughtful about the purpose of our lives.
Yes, those bits of wisdom are worth much more than spare change. The great genius was on to something-something profound and powerful. Today might be a good time to consider Einstein’s advice from long ago.
-Lloyd D. Newell
February 25, 2018
Broadcast Number 4,615
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
Conductor
Mack Wilberg
Ryan Murphy
Organist
Andrew Unsworth
Host
Lloyd Newell
“Give,” Said the Little Stream
William B. Bradbury; arr. Ryan Murphy
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Ryan Murphy
How Great Thou Art
Swedish folk tune; arr. Dale Wood
But Thanks Be to God, from Messiah
George Frideric Handel
Sunrise, Sunset, from Fiddler on the Roof
Jerry Bock; arr. Arthur Harris
Thou Lovely Source of True Delight
Mack Wilberg