I loved it when I first read it and this is my favorite part:
But if I am to understand that you are enquiring whether I am of Jewish origin, I can only reply that I regret that I appear to have no ancestors of that gifted people.
In the link it has his letter to his British publisher, where he was even more blunt. Maybe the first time that “I have _______ friends” has actually rung true.
Personally, I should be inclined to refuse to give any Bestätigung (although it happens that I can), and let a German translation go hang. In any case I should object strongly to any such declaration appearing in print. I do not regard the (probable) absence of all Jewish blood as necessarily honourable; and I have many Jewish friends, and should regret giving any colour to the notion that I subscribed to the wholly pernicious and unscientific race-doctrine.
I loved it when I first read it and this is my favorite part:
In the link it has his letter to his British publisher, where he was even more blunt. Maybe the first time that “I have _______ friends” has actually rung true.