Einstein's account of his own motivation, attributing his work to persistent curiosity rather than to any unusual natural ability.

Advice to a student that science is best pursued outside paid employment, with a living earned by other, dependable work.

A personal letter reflecting on the French Revolution, the new United States Constitution, political uncertainty, friendship, mortality, and taxation.

A private letter of guidance from A.P. Møller to his son on running the family shipping business with foresight and diligence.

A brief reply naming two developments Einstein saw as the basis of Western science, and why their absence elsewhere is unremarkable.

A young Napoleon asks his uncle for financial help to reach Paris, while expressing confidence in his prospects despite hardship.

A letter to the management of the Lindø shipyard, applying the principle of "rettidig omhu" (constant care) as a standard for running the new yard.

A brief reflection on civic virtue, political freedom, social disorder, and the prospects for stable self-government in post-Revolutionary America.

A letter of moral and practical advice on virtue, duty, self-discipline, personal conduct, religion, and relations with others.

A letter discussing penal reform, the planned University of Virginia, intellectual freedom, British unrest, and Anglo-American relations.