Rhetorical Analysis Albert Einstein's Letter to Phyllis Wright

I think Albert Einstein's letter to Phyllis Wright was immensely rhetorically effective. The response correctly conveys how great scientists such as himself view important things such as religion. Due to the fact that he is considered one of the greatest scientists of all time, he has the credibility to report upon his beliefs without infringing on how other scientists would feel about the issue. He also does something very important in any rhetorical piece of writing, he takes into account the opposing side and how their views may contradict his views.

Albert Einstein states in the letter "everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe" By saying this he gives off the idea that he has became open to the opinion of others, without clearly stating that he believes either way. He isn't trying to disprove a religious spirit exists, but solely trying to show a difference between religious spirit and science.

The subject, speaker, audience relationship is of great importance in any substantial piece of rhetorical writing. Einstein had a tremendous task of displaying his scientific importance yet come across clearly to a sixth grade student. At the beginning of the letter he states that he will answer Phyllis' question "as simply" as he could. He even made it clear when the answer was going to be stated by saying "Here is my answer." If Einstein was writing this letter to an English major, he wouldn't have made the wording as clear and would have made it harder to grasp the main points in the writing. He did a fine job making the subject comprehensible to a sixth grader.

Logos, ethos, and pathos are dramatically important in the overall "feel" the reader has after reading a piece of writing. If the author's writing comes across the wrong way to the reader, they are more than likely not going to be pleased with what they have read. Albert Einstein explains throughout the letter that whether or not scientists believe in religion, they must believe that there is a higher power in order for some works of nature to happen. This is due to the fact that some things can't be proved scientifically, therefore there must be a greater explanation. I don't think Einstein portrayed himself as much emotionally, but showed an understanding of all point of views, and simply stated what he believed. Einstein's position was backed logically by the fact that he stated obvious reason for some higher power; he also stated that "everything that takes place is determined by the laws of nature." Stating both sides of the argument is more effective in making the reader feel comfortable with the piece, and not bombarded with a strict one-sided point of view. Of course Albert Einstein has great credibility, that was not a problem. However, something that could have

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