“No tip? No problem.” 🧠✍️ When Einstein had no cash for a hotel courier, he handed over a handwritten note, joking it might be worth something someday. Fast forward to today, that note just sold for $1.56 million. Want to know what it said? Read the full story below! in the article 👇
Even the smallest things left behind by a genius can become priceless. One example? A simple handwritten note from Albert Einstein, which ended up being sold at an auction in Jerusalem for an incredible $1.56 million.
Back in 1922, Einstein was 43 and staying at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo while giving lectures on his theory of relativity. He was known for his sharp mind and sense of humor. One of his favorite jokes about relativity went like this:
“When you sit with a pretty girl, an hour feels like a second. Sit on a hot stove, and a second feels like an hour. That’s relativity.”
One day at the hotel, Einstein received a delivery. But when the courier arrived, the scientist realized he had no money on hand to give a tip, which was the polite thing to do. Still, Einstein wanted to show his gratitude.
So, he came up with a creative solution. He picked up a notepad with the hotel’s logo, tore out a sheet, and wrote a thoughtful message. He handed the note to the courier and smiled, saying that someday, this piece of paper might be worth a lot.
Apparently, the courier believed him—and he was right.
Einstein ended up writing two notes that day. Both were short but filled with meaning. Years later, they were auctioned off in Jerusalem, and the results surprised everyone.
The first note, which included Einstein’s personal “recipe for happiness,” sold for $1.56 million. It said:
“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant stress.”
The second note, also written on hotel paper, sold for $240,000. It was simple but powerful:
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
These notes were passed down through the courier’s family. His nephew later decided to auction them off. The buyers were European collectors who chose to remain anonymous.
It’s amazing to think that a moment of kindness from Einstein—and a piece of paper—could turn into such a valuable treasure. What started as a small gesture ended up changing someone’s life.
Just imagine: a quick note, handed over without much thought, became a fortune decades later—all because it came from one of the world’s most brilliant minds.
Would you keep a note from someone famous if you knew it might one day be worth millions? Let us know what you think in the comments!
