Albert Einstein emphasizes freedom of thought and inquiry. From the very beginning, the reader is impressed with the lack of these qualities in the German schools and the German society in which Einstein is raised. During the years of World War I, Einstein finds it particularly difficult to live in Germany.

Although not interested in politics, he embraces pacifism wholeheartedly while many of his colleagues contribute to the German war effort by developing poisonous gases and explosives. Because he is a theoretical rather than an applied scientist, Einstein is not expected to take part in the war effort, but he is expected to take the side of Germany. Encouraging its writers, musicians, and scientists to approve its actions, the German government prepares a paper for them to sign indicating their approval. Many of Germany's most famous intellectuals sign, but Einstein refuses. Technically, he cannot be considered...