'I have to drag along a heavy load': securing his sister's future, the burden of his own existence, and his delight in his sons.

Einstein has used his 'Dutch savings' to pay off the Wintelers' mortgage, and he is delighted to see from their letter how happy this has made them: 'Now for the rest of your days you have a secure existence according to your own tastes and can lead your quiet life without worries'. He urges them to be careful never again to fall into debt, and to maintain a financial cushion: 'for life brings unforeseen burdens, for which one must be prepared, if one doesn't want to get into scrapes'. As for Einstein's own life, it is far from quiet: 'My own [life] is interesting, but I have to drag along a heavy load; when one has started, one cannot give it up until one bites the dust, or strength gives out'.

He gets much pleasure out of his sons: '[Hans] Albert is an uncommonly able chap, straightforward and honest, and Tete [Eduard] recently won a prize in a public competition for a drawing. I have trouble in thinking where he got this talent from. I am always happy when I can spend time with them'. In March he is going to Argentina – they have been plaguing him with invitations for years, and he has capitulated, mostly because of the appeal of a long sea-voyage.
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