Quote by Albert Einstein
If my theory of relativity is proven successful, Germany will claim me as a German and France will declare that I am a citizen of the world. Should my theory prove untrue, France will say that I am a German and Germany will declare that I am a Jew.
Summary
This quote, attributed to Albert Einstein, highlights the complex nature of identity and the way it can be manipulated based on one's accomplishments or failures. It suggests that people tend to claim ownership over the successes of individuals, classifying them based on national or cultural biases. Einstein's theory of relativity serves as a metaphor here, representing any significant contribution or achievement. The quote emphasizes how people's perceptions of identity are often fluid and subjective, subject to changing tides of societal opinion and nationalist sentiments.