(exceprt from Einstein: His Life and Universe, by Walter Isaacson)

July 1914.

Einstein delivered a brutal ceasefire ultimatum to his wife. It was in the form of a proposed contract, one in which Einstein's cold scientific approach combined with his personal hostility and emotional alienation to produce an astonishing document_ It read in full:

Conditions.


A. You will make sure:

   1. that my clothes and laundry are kept in good order;

   2. that I will receive my three meals regularly in my room;

   3. that my bedroom and study are kept neat, and especially that my desk is left for my use only.


B. You will renounce all personal relations with me insofar as they are not completely necessary for social reasons. Specifically, you will forego:

   1. my sitting at home with you;

   2. my going out or traveling with you.


C. You will obey the following points in your relations with me:

   1. you will not expect any intimacy from me, nor will you reproach me in any way;

   2. you will stop talking to me if I request it;

   3. you will leave my bedroom or study immediately without protest if I request it.


D. You will undertake not to belittle me in front of our children, either through words or behavior.




...wow.