* * * * *
The spirit of The Second Way Project is born from the following quote, which is attributed to Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” I strive to see the world through that second lens, intentionally seeking out and celebrating the miraculous.
Although we may do so through a variety of different paths and practices, all people seek to find peace, purpose, and meaning in their lives. In sharing our stories, I believe, we also can discover something miraculous in one another, within ourselves, and in the world around us.
* * * * *
Since this quotation has been so important to me and was foundational in the formation of this website, I wanted to do my due diligence to confirm its accuracy. Although it has been attributed to Albert Einstein for decades, there is some dispute over its origins. In my research, I found that the first known record of the statement is from Gilbert Fowler White in his Journal of France and Germany (1942-1944), in which he discusses Einstein’s conversation with David Reichenstein on the concept of miracles. It is recorded there that Einstein said, “A miracle…is an exception from lawfulness; hence, there where lawfulness does not exist, also its exception, i.e., a miracle cannot exist.” Although it does not show up in the formal account of Einstein’s interview with Reichenstein, White also writes about the quote used here for The Second Way Project in his journal as having been said by Einstein to Reichenstein in that same interview. White’s journal appears to be the primary source for the quotation. The sentiment of the statement — whomever the author — is what inspires me and has inspired the creation of this personal passion project.
thesecondway.blog 