Albert Einstein was known for his pacifism, humanism, and advocacy for social justice. While he expressed his views on politics and social issues, it is important to note that he did not comment extensively on specific socialist leaders like Lenin, Stalin, and Mao. However, based on his broader political beliefs and statements, we can infer some aspects of his opinions.
Einstein was critical of authoritarianism and totalitarianism, regardless of the political ideology involved. He strongly believed in democracy, individual freedom, and the importance of human rights. He spoke out against oppressive regimes and human rights violations.
In terms of socialism, Einstein held sympathetic views toward socialist ideas and ideals. He saw socialism as a means to achieve greater economic equality and social justice. In 1949, he wrote an essay titled "Why Socialism?" in which he advocated for a socialist economic system based on cooperative ownership and democratic control of the means of production.
However, Einstein was also wary of concentrated political power, as he believed it could easily lead to oppression and the stifling of individual liberties. He emphasized the importance of combining socialism with democratic principles, stating that socialism should be achieved "without resorting to methods that might tend to undermine the free development of individuality."
Given these principles, it is likely that Einstein would have been critical of leaders who exhibited authoritarian tendencies and violated human rights, regardless of their political affiliation. However, it is important to note that Einstein's views were nuanced and context-dependent, and it would be speculative to assert his specific opinions on individual leaders without more direct evidence.