Strasser pressed the doorbell of the villa, which was specially provided for Einstein by Germany. Strasser was always particularly tolerant of talented individuals, as he understood the value they could create, so it was acceptable to endure their little temperaments. "Please come in, the door is not locked."
Suddenly, Strasser heard an old man's voice coming from above. He looked up and discovered a loudspeaker on the ceiling above the door; the voice was coming from there. No wonder Einstein didn't need to go out to greet guests; this device must have been made by him. Strasser was very certain that Speer wouldn't be able to create such things. Strasser took a deep breath, cleared his thoughts, and then pushed the door open to enter.
Upon entering, he saw an old man coming down the stairs from the second floor of the villa. He had the distinctive features of a foreigner, with deep brown eyes set back in their sockets and a short, stubbly beard. His hair was a grayish-white color, very disheveled, and appeared as though it hadn't been tended to in a long time.
He is now walking with his head down, as if he is walking and thinking at the same time.
The man's clothes are still very loose, wrapping the whole person in the body, just like wearing a very large quilt, and the shoes he wears are like slippers in the bedroom.
It is possible that he is too busy thinking every day and has no time to take care of himself. Smart people don't care about their appearance.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Einstein. I have previously read your works on relativity and the photoelectric effect. I am a devoted reader of yours."
Strasser was not joking; he was from East Germany before his time travel.
After the upheaval in Eastern Europe and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, East Germany also underwent a transformation as Western culture began to invade the region.
Einstein, once criticized as a "reactionary academic authority" in East Germany, saw his theoretical works quickly gain popularity in the academic circles of the reunified Federal Republic of Germany. Many universities offered courses on his theories, so Strasser also received some basic knowledge of relativity. Although not particularly proficient, his understanding was certainly deeper than that of the average person of this era, as it was built upon the foundations laid by predecessors.
Looking at it, Strasser really has quite a few insights into relativity, some of which are remarkably accurate, even surprising Einstein a bit. He had originally thought that people from the Labour Party were all politicians with a mindset focused on force, but he didn't expect this man in front of him to be very knowledgeable about his work. "It's truly astonishing, young man; you are much better than that previous Goebbels."
"Although that guy is a doctor, his level of physics is probably similar to that of a preschooler compared to yours." Einstein sighed. It seems that Goebbels did not have an easy time persuading Einstein.
Think about it, how can someone who always has "you are nothing without country" on their lips have anything in common with someone who aspires to work for all of humanity?
"So, young person, who do you represent here? ethnic group, Labour Party, or National Defense Forces?" Einstein asked.
"None of them."
In response to Einstein's question, Strasser did not intend to impress him with socialist theory.
Based on Einstein's historical attitude towards the Soviet Union, this physicist was not exactly averse to socialism, but he was not enthusiastic about it either; he preferred freedom and democracy.
To deal with such people, Strasser believes the best approach is moral coercion.
Aren't you determined to work for all humanity? Then don't the people of Germany count as part of humanity? They need your help; will you provide it? Why do people from the United States count as part of humanity while Germans do not?
"I am here today representing the German people."
"I don't understand what you mean? I'm just a scientist; research is my life. I'm not interested in politics; I only love science, and science knows no borders. Therefore, I am not planning to stay in Germany to work; I want to go to Belgium."
Einstein felt that the situation was somewhat dire, so he quickly put up a shield for himself. Although Strasser wanted to tell Einstein that fleeing to Belgium or elsewhere would be futile because Germany would eventually "liberate" those places, he held back.
"Einstein Sir, I know you are against war. During the European War, you signed a declaration against war and did not stand on the side of your own country."
"You're right, I am against any form of war. War is the greatest obstacle to the progress of the world. It will make a country poor, lead to long-term economic depression, and make people displaced. The people of the world should unite to prevent the emergence of war."
"But Mr. Einstein, have you ever thought about why wars occur?"
Strasser did not linger on this question with Einstein but instead asked another one.
"Why do wars occur?"
Einstein muttered to himself; he really had not considered this question. "The fundamental cause of war is the unequal distribution of resources. As long as Country exists, war will never cease; Country is the root of all wars." Strasser was ready to steer the conversation in the direction he desired.
"Are you saying that in order to end war, we must eliminate country?" Einstein asked. "In other words, if all other country were eliminated and only one country remained on Earth, then war would not occur."
To end future wars with a grand conflict, this is a war to end all wars. Supporting this war, isn't that what an anti-war advocate should do? Strasser remained unfazed, as politicians must have thick skin; otherwise, their faces would become distorted like Vivid Soy Milk, which would be quite an unpleasant sight.
"Is it... is it correct to think this way?"
Einstein felt a bit confused. He had a deep understanding of physics, but he was just an outsider when it came to politics. His anti-war stance stemmed from his desire for peace, and he truly did not understand the reasons behind the outbreak of war.
So although Strasser's words sounded strange to him, he couldn't find a reason to disagree. "Of course, think about it: countries go to war because of conflicting interests. Therefore, to eliminate war, we either need to resolve these conflicting interests or address other countries."
A unified Earth can focus its energy on developing technology rather than engaging in internal strife, allowing humanity to venture out into the universe. Humanity's journey is towards the stars and the sea, not confined to a small planet.
The vision painted by Strasser clearly resonated with Einstein, whose lifelong philosophy was to see all of humanity united. Strasser's approach seems to have merit, doesn't it?
"Perhaps you are right, young man, but this process will cost many lives, and I will not be the executioner." Einstein felt somewhat moved, but he still held back. Strasser noticed his softened attitude and quickly looked at Einstein with a pitiful expression.
"This process is bound to involve bloodshed and sacrifice. For the sake of lasting peace, occasional sacrifice is necessary. As someone who has nurtured you, would Mr. Einstein rather remain indifferent to the bloodshed of the German people? If you truly have a conscience, you should protect the people on this land."
"Many people have this wish, but due to insufficient ability, Mr. Einstein's knowledge is a great help in achieving this goal. I really envy you."
Einstein's expression was fluctuating; he was currently engaged in an intense internal struggle.
After a while, he lifted his head, looked at Strasser, and sighed.
"If only the Labour Party were made up of people like you, I would be willing to serve Germany. The last time Dr. Goebbels came, along with that Rom by his side, they were nothing but a bunch of murderers. I don't think their leader is any good either." Strasser touched his nose, surprised to find that he had such an image in Einstein's eyes.
He cleared his throat and maintained a serious expression as he confessed to Einstein. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Gregor Strasser, and I am the chairman of the Germanic People's Labour Party."
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