Although Einstein did not align himself with political parties-and was never a member of the Communist party-he did support many aspects of socialism. In particular, he advocated the equal distribution of wealth and government control of certain businesses and social services, including education and health care.

In 1949, Einstein drafted a seven-page article entitled "Why Socialism?" for the May 1949 issue of the magazine Monthly Review. For Einstein, socialism was the only way to protect the poor from the "evil" of capitalism. At the same time, he criticized the Soviet Union's extreme form of socialism (Communism), warning that "a planned economy may be accompanied by the complete enslavement of the individual." The FBI, which secretly collected information about Einstein to document his radical political views, included this article in Einstein's extensive file.

Albert Einstein Archives, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
28-857

Why Socialism?

Is it advisable for a non-expert in economics and social issues to express views on the topic of socialism? I believe I approve of this....

Let's consider first the question from the point of view of scientific awareness! Do you feel that there is a major difference between astronomy and economics? Both sciences aim to find general laws…to create a coherent view of phenomena. The laws of the economy are complicated....

I'm convinced that there is only one way of removing this evil, namely the establishment of a socialist economy, with an educational system focused on social objectives....

Translation: American Museum of Natural History