The Economic Times

In 1952, Albert Einstein was offered Israels presidency; the scientist declined, saying he lacked the experience needed to deal with people

Albert Einstein was offered Israel's presidency in 1952 after Chaim Weizmann's death. Ambassador Abba Eban conveyed the proposal from Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. Einstein explained he lacked natural aptitude and experience for official duties. He felt his life's work was with objective matters, not people. His advancing age also contributed to his personal decision to decline.