Einstein in Shanghai observation

The diaries were written between October 1922 and March 1923, when the physicist travelled around various countries, including China.

Of Chinese people, Einstein writes:

“[The] Chinese don’t sit on benches while eating but squat like Europeans do when they relieve themselves out in the leafy woods. All this occurs quietly and demurely. Even the children are spiritless and look obtuse.”

He goes on to comment:

“It would be a pity if these Chinese supplant all races. For the likes of us the mere thought is unspeakably dreary.”

Einstein later makes misogynistic comments about Chinese women:

“I noticed how little difference there is between men and women; I don’t understand what kind of fatal attraction Chinese women possess which enthrals the corresponding men to such an extent that they are incapable of defending themselves against the formidable blessing of offspring.”

Throughout the diaries Chinese people are spoken of in a derogatory manner, being described variously as “filthy”, “obtuse” and “herd-like”.