Author: Bertrand Russell

Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Beliefs Opinion

Even in civilized mankind, faint traces of monogamous instinct can be perceived.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Marriage

I am firm; you are obstinate; he is a pig-headed fool.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Characteristics

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Fools Intelligence

Many people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Death Intelligence Thinking

Men who are unhappy, like men who sleep badly, are always proud of the fact.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Emotions Happiness People Situations Sleep

There is no difference between someone who eats too little and sees Heaven and someone who drinks too much and sees snakes.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Alcohol Food/Drink

One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Health People Self Work

The fundamental defect of fathers is that they want their children to be a credit to them.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Characteristics Children Family Fathers

Peace: Co-existence or no no existence.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Conflict War

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Time

No one gossips about other people's secret virtues.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Communication Speech

If I were a medical man, I should prescribe a holiday to any patient who considered his work important.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Doctors Health Work

Not a gentleman… dresses too well.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Appearance Clothing Insults

A stupid man’s report of what a clever man says is never accurate because he unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Communication Intelligence

The place of the father in the modern suburban family is a very small one, particularly if he plays golf.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Family Fathers Golf Sports

A stupid man's report of what a clever man says is never accurate because he unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Communication Intelligence Stupidity Wisdom

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt.

(1872 – 1970) British philosopher, mathematician, historian & social critic
Fools Intelligence