Einstein's Theory Of Happiness Sells For R17m At Auction

While Albert Einstein's theory of happiness may be relative, it fetched R17m at a Jerusalem auction.
A note written on a Tokyo hotel official paper in 1922 by Albert Einstein is seen before it is sold at an auction in Jerusalem, October 24, 2017. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
A note written on a Tokyo hotel official paper in 1922 by Albert Einstein is seen before it is sold at an auction in Jerusalem, October 24, 2017. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Ammar Awad / Reuters

While Albert Einstein's theory of happiness may be relative, it fetched $1.3m (R17 million) at a Jerusalem auction.

The Nobel-winning scientist's musings, on a handwritten note, may not be as famous as his groundbreaking theory of relativity, but they still shed light on one of the great modern minds.

Ammar Awad / Reuters

The Winner's auction house said Einstein scribbled the note in German to a bellboy while travelling in Japan in 1922 after he did not have cash to give him a tip. It says: "A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness."

Tuesday's bidding began at $2 000 and quickly escalated. Winner's would not disclose the buyer or seller.

Einstein won a Nobel Prize in physics for his theory of relativity. He died in 1955.

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