There are many reasons why we should cherish Albert Einstein. What a pity then that biographer Steven Gimbel (Review, 13 June) omitted one of the greatest: curiosity. Einstein is quoted as referring to this important disposition on several occasions, asserting, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious” and, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reasons for existing“. Perhaps it was curiosity that led this patent clerk to become such a great physicist, and perhaps it is curiosity that our schools should cherish, rather than testing and league tables.
Maulfry Worthington
Topsham, Exeter
• As a comprehensive head I managed to sidestep a compulsory daily assembly with a Christian focus, as we did not have anywhere large enough to congregate (Editorial, 15 June). Also, I pointed out to each Ofsted team that MPs didn’t attend their own chapel in the House.
Vicki Morley
Penzance, Cornwall
• I think Robin Williams’ accent may have misled your correspondent (Letters, 18 June). Mrs Doubtfire was Scottish (not Irish). Hence Colin Montgomerie’s cruel, but apposite, nickname.
Howard Ewing
Bepton, West Sussex
• We, the residents of Runnymede, did vote against the Queen’s statue (Letters, 18 June) by 76% but the council decided to extend the deadline to canvass more effusive votes in favour, thus reducing the vote against to 57%. It went ahead anyway, deciding it did not need our approval. Such is democracy.
Dr Rosemary Bentley
Egham, Surrey
• Would it be possible to be more careful when using the word City in headlines (City must break club record to land Sterling, Sport, 18 June)? There are several Premier League teams with City in their name and my initial thought that the local team here in Norfolk might be spending that sort of money on one player had me spluttering all over my cornflakes this morning.
Ron Brewer
Old Buckenham, Norfolk
