A big day for science

Johannes Stark appointed president of the Reich physical and technical institute [may 13, 1933]

Philipp Lenard

pp. 49-52

in: Klaus Hentschel (ed), Physics and national socialism, Basel, Birkhäuser, 1996

Abstract

This recent appointment is an event for all persons in any way involved in science. It signifies a definite renunciation of the apparently already inescapable predominance of what might briefly be called Einsteinian thinking in physics;[¹] and it is a move towards reaffirming the scientist's old prerogatives: To think independently, guided only by nature. This kind of thinking had long been unwelcome at such high places in physics; and now just look: Stark, one of the few remaining untouched living examples of this thinking, is himself at the top in such an important post. Many within and outside of the Reichsanstalt will have already understood and welcomed with relief this decision by Reich Interior Minister Frick.[²] Others, many of whom are already blind, will surely soon be able to see again, because they find before them a visionary leader [sehenden Führer].[³]