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Essays in Skepticism
Russell, the sage non-conformist, is always meaningful, no matter what the topic or the issue. In this small book are presented some of his old but nonetheless remarkable observations, and some of his very new thoughts, as expressed on his 90th birthday. Here are titles, taken at random from the Table of Psychoanalysis Takes a Look; Envy and Belief; On Male Superiority; What Social Science Can Do; Intellectual Rubbish; Don’t Be Too Certain; On Being Old.
100 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
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About the author
Bertrand Russell
1,234 books7,310 followersBertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell, OM, FRS, was a Welsh philosopher, historian, logician, mathematician, advocate for social reform, pacifist, and prominent rationalist. Although he was usually regarded as English, as he spent the majority of his life in England, he was born in Wales, where he also died.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 "in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought."
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 "in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought."
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May 29, 2019
A brief collection of four essays. From the point of view of an experienced reader, the first two merits serious read while the remaining essays can be skimmed through. Here’s the summary along with my commentary:
First Essay: Man’s Record of Beliefs
• Russell starts by stating that principal causes of men’s misfortune are human. And the evils that men inflict upon each other have their source in evil passions, not in ideas or beliefs. Ideas and beliefs that do appear to harm men are cloaks for evil passions.
• The pleasure people receive from watching public executions generally contributes to the general belief that the execution was the righteous act. Same goes for wars. [Such a pleasure comes from evil passion, which always finds its way via some idea or belief].
• Opinions which justify cruelty are inspired by our sadistic impulses. The reformative effect of cruel punishments, such as flagellation, is so popular because it satisfies our cruel impulses. [This somewhat echoes Nietzsche’s thoughts, In Genealogy of Morals, Nietzsche says that the concept of punishment is derived from the concept of debt; i.e., suffering from punishment is the in-kind payback. To what extent can suffering balance debts or guilt? To the extent that it is in the highest degree pleasurable commensurate with the rank and social standing of the creditor.]
• When men’s evil passions, cloaked as beliefs, are embodied in organizations, they become great power even to the men who otherwise have no strong feelings. [Such organizations most definitely include religions]. In Christianity, for example, where the bodily pleasures were forbidden for saints, pleasure of mind was hardly prohibited, and the high place in pleasures of minds was assigned to the observation of tortures to pagans, heretics and disbelievers.
• Russell is of the view that any system of dogmas or beliefs which promotes avoidance of bodily pleasures, or preference of the pleasure of mind over that of body, force men’s evil intentions to explode some other way. In Russell’s words “the ascetic depreciation of the pleasures of sense has not promoted kindliness or tolerance, or any of the other virtues that a non-superstitious outlook on human life would lead us to desire. On the contrary, when a man tortures himself he feels that it gives him a right to torture others, and inclines him to accept any system of dogma by which this right is fortified”. Nazi slogan of “guns rather than butter” involved the sacrifice of the pleasure of sense for the mental pleasure of victory.
• The concept of sin and vindictive punishment is at the root of moral systems. Russell, however, does not believe that sin is innate; in fact, if this feeling can be eradicated, it will diminish all the cruelty in the world. In Russell’s word “Given that we are all sinners and that we all deserve punishment, there is evidently much to be said for a system that causes the punishment to fall upon others than ourselves” .
• Russell says that Envy is one of the strongest human emotions. When applied to nations, envy becomes the source of false philosophy of economic nationalism; i.e, belief that one nation’s economic interest is necessarily opposed to that of others. This belief prevents one from taking a holistic view of the world, one with mutual interests, and thus is the source of wars as well. Another passion that gives rise to false beliefs is Pride, which gives rise to false sense of nationalism, male domination, racial/creedal superiority etc. with disastrous effects.
• Russell says that one of the most harmful delusions is imagining that one is a special instrument of divine will. “It is good to know that God is on our side, but a little confusing when you find the enemy equally convinced of the opposite” .
• Russell concludes the essay by suggesting that the world does not need fanatical faiths. Instead, world needs two things: on one hand Organizations (political organizations that put an end to wards; economic organizations to improve man’s productivity, and educational organizations to generate internationalism); and on the other hand some Moral Standards (to induce charity and tolerance). Russell says that, although he dare hope it, may be the atom bomb will terrify humankind into sanity and tolerance [Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Atom bomb did terrify humankind and intensity of direct wars have so far reduced, but sanity and tolerance are still rare commodities both in individuals and nations].
Second Essay: Intellectual Rubbish
• Russell refutes the claim that man is a rational animal. Great nations led astray by preachers of nonsense. Superstitions, cruelty and persecutions increasing by leaps and bounds are what Russell gives as the proof of the fallacy of this quote. Also, clergy and its opposition against the strides of science and technology is another proof of irrationality of man.
• [A large part of this essay consists of pointing out irrational commandments and beliefs and their explanations as offered by orthodox Christianity. While illuminating for the novice readers, there is nothing new for experienced or intermediate readers of this subject. For example, Russell’s attack on the belief of human choice and authority is rather dated and theological interpretations have (at least) tried to give the answers for such attacks by, for example, defining the extent to which man has free will].
• However, one important point that Russell makes is that the source of most of our religious beliefs is self-importance; that man is the special object of God’s love and wrath.
• Russell says that every powerful emotion has its own myth making tendency. If an individual creates such myths, he is considered mad. But when the emotion is collective (like in religions and wars), these myths blossom because there is no one to correct them. Often, this myth-making faculty is combined with cruelty – myths of racial superiority is a fine example of this.
• The discovery that man can be manipulated and governments can drive the masses however they like is one of the causes of human misfortune and education was discovered as a tool to achieve this purpose. Nonsense in the guise of education unifies population and cultivates collective enthusiasm. Interestingly, if the entire world teaches the same nonsense, world would be a better place. But unfortunately, every country, every nation has its own brand of nonsense to teach. Russell says that “if there is ever to be peace in the world, governments will have to agree either to inculcate no dogmas, or all to inculcate the same” .
• However, if conformity has its dangers, so does non-conformity. Russell says that some thinkers believe that any argument which differs from popular opinion must be correct. This is a delusion, for if this is the case, truth would have been easier to find. “There are infinite possibilities of error, and more cranks take up unfashionable errors than unfashionable truths. You cannot make sure of being right by being eccentric” .
• Russell is also of the opinion that Science, which has always had to fight its way against popular beliefs, now has one of its most difficult battles in the sphere of psychology. While medical treatment (or some method other than simple corporal punishment) is advised for the crimes that originates from psychological abnormality, some people believe corporal punishment to be the only cure for any and all crimes.
• To conclude, Russell provides few rules in order to judge foolish opinions, and there are the most important takeaway from this book:
1. Before making an opinion about something, make the observation yourself wherever possible instead of relying on second-hand judgments.
2. Where the test of experience is not possible, see if an opinion contrary to your own makes you angry. If it does, this means that you are subconsciously aware of having no sound reason for thinking as you do.
3. The most savage controversies are about matters about which there is no good evidence either way.
4. A good way of ridding yourself of dogmatism is to become aware of the opinions held in circles different from your own. Seek out the people and read the material with whom you disagree. If such people seem stubborn, mad and wicked to you, remind yourself that you seem so to them.
5. For those with good imagination, imagine an argument with someone who has contrary opinion. Try to see if your arguments against your opponent’s make sense and vice versa.
6. Be wary of opinions that flatter your self-esteem. Passions are often a source of errors.
Third Essay: Atheism and Agnosticism
• Russell calls himself a Rationalist, and defines that the central consideration in Rationalism is how you arrive at your opinions, not what your opinions are. Rationalist believes in the supremacy of reason. And if your reason lead you to orthodox conclusions, you are still a Rationalist.
• A Rationalist does not believe in absolute certainty of anything, but only in higher or lesser probabilities. Attaching degrees of certainty is very important; otherwise one may land in absolute skepticism, which is a useless thing.
Fourth Essay: Of Being Old
• Just a brief, informal reflection on the benefits of being old, and the present state of the world.
First Essay: Man’s Record of Beliefs
• Russell starts by stating that principal causes of men’s misfortune are human. And the evils that men inflict upon each other have their source in evil passions, not in ideas or beliefs. Ideas and beliefs that do appear to harm men are cloaks for evil passions.
• The pleasure people receive from watching public executions generally contributes to the general belief that the execution was the righteous act. Same goes for wars. [Such a pleasure comes from evil passion, which always finds its way via some idea or belief].
• Opinions which justify cruelty are inspired by our sadistic impulses. The reformative effect of cruel punishments, such as flagellation, is so popular because it satisfies our cruel impulses. [This somewhat echoes Nietzsche’s thoughts, In Genealogy of Morals, Nietzsche says that the concept of punishment is derived from the concept of debt; i.e., suffering from punishment is the in-kind payback. To what extent can suffering balance debts or guilt? To the extent that it is in the highest degree pleasurable commensurate with the rank and social standing of the creditor.]
• When men’s evil passions, cloaked as beliefs, are embodied in organizations, they become great power even to the men who otherwise have no strong feelings. [Such organizations most definitely include religions]. In Christianity, for example, where the bodily pleasures were forbidden for saints, pleasure of mind was hardly prohibited, and the high place in pleasures of minds was assigned to the observation of tortures to pagans, heretics and disbelievers.
• Russell is of the view that any system of dogmas or beliefs which promotes avoidance of bodily pleasures, or preference of the pleasure of mind over that of body, force men’s evil intentions to explode some other way. In Russell’s words “the ascetic depreciation of the pleasures of sense has not promoted kindliness or tolerance, or any of the other virtues that a non-superstitious outlook on human life would lead us to desire. On the contrary, when a man tortures himself he feels that it gives him a right to torture others, and inclines him to accept any system of dogma by which this right is fortified”. Nazi slogan of “guns rather than butter” involved the sacrifice of the pleasure of sense for the mental pleasure of victory.
• The concept of sin and vindictive punishment is at the root of moral systems. Russell, however, does not believe that sin is innate; in fact, if this feeling can be eradicated, it will diminish all the cruelty in the world. In Russell’s word “Given that we are all sinners and that we all deserve punishment, there is evidently much to be said for a system that causes the punishment to fall upon others than ourselves” .
• Russell says that Envy is one of the strongest human emotions. When applied to nations, envy becomes the source of false philosophy of economic nationalism; i.e, belief that one nation’s economic interest is necessarily opposed to that of others. This belief prevents one from taking a holistic view of the world, one with mutual interests, and thus is the source of wars as well. Another passion that gives rise to false beliefs is Pride, which gives rise to false sense of nationalism, male domination, racial/creedal superiority etc. with disastrous effects.
• Russell says that one of the most harmful delusions is imagining that one is a special instrument of divine will. “It is good to know that God is on our side, but a little confusing when you find the enemy equally convinced of the opposite” .
• Russell concludes the essay by suggesting that the world does not need fanatical faiths. Instead, world needs two things: on one hand Organizations (political organizations that put an end to wards; economic organizations to improve man’s productivity, and educational organizations to generate internationalism); and on the other hand some Moral Standards (to induce charity and tolerance). Russell says that, although he dare hope it, may be the atom bomb will terrify humankind into sanity and tolerance [Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Atom bomb did terrify humankind and intensity of direct wars have so far reduced, but sanity and tolerance are still rare commodities both in individuals and nations].
Second Essay: Intellectual Rubbish
• Russell refutes the claim that man is a rational animal. Great nations led astray by preachers of nonsense. Superstitions, cruelty and persecutions increasing by leaps and bounds are what Russell gives as the proof of the fallacy of this quote. Also, clergy and its opposition against the strides of science and technology is another proof of irrationality of man.
• [A large part of this essay consists of pointing out irrational commandments and beliefs and their explanations as offered by orthodox Christianity. While illuminating for the novice readers, there is nothing new for experienced or intermediate readers of this subject. For example, Russell’s attack on the belief of human choice and authority is rather dated and theological interpretations have (at least) tried to give the answers for such attacks by, for example, defining the extent to which man has free will].
• However, one important point that Russell makes is that the source of most of our religious beliefs is self-importance; that man is the special object of God’s love and wrath.
• Russell says that every powerful emotion has its own myth making tendency. If an individual creates such myths, he is considered mad. But when the emotion is collective (like in religions and wars), these myths blossom because there is no one to correct them. Often, this myth-making faculty is combined with cruelty – myths of racial superiority is a fine example of this.
• The discovery that man can be manipulated and governments can drive the masses however they like is one of the causes of human misfortune and education was discovered as a tool to achieve this purpose. Nonsense in the guise of education unifies population and cultivates collective enthusiasm. Interestingly, if the entire world teaches the same nonsense, world would be a better place. But unfortunately, every country, every nation has its own brand of nonsense to teach. Russell says that “if there is ever to be peace in the world, governments will have to agree either to inculcate no dogmas, or all to inculcate the same” .
• However, if conformity has its dangers, so does non-conformity. Russell says that some thinkers believe that any argument which differs from popular opinion must be correct. This is a delusion, for if this is the case, truth would have been easier to find. “There are infinite possibilities of error, and more cranks take up unfashionable errors than unfashionable truths. You cannot make sure of being right by being eccentric” .
• Russell is also of the opinion that Science, which has always had to fight its way against popular beliefs, now has one of its most difficult battles in the sphere of psychology. While medical treatment (or some method other than simple corporal punishment) is advised for the crimes that originates from psychological abnormality, some people believe corporal punishment to be the only cure for any and all crimes.
• To conclude, Russell provides few rules in order to judge foolish opinions, and there are the most important takeaway from this book:
1. Before making an opinion about something, make the observation yourself wherever possible instead of relying on second-hand judgments.
2. Where the test of experience is not possible, see if an opinion contrary to your own makes you angry. If it does, this means that you are subconsciously aware of having no sound reason for thinking as you do.
3. The most savage controversies are about matters about which there is no good evidence either way.
4. A good way of ridding yourself of dogmatism is to become aware of the opinions held in circles different from your own. Seek out the people and read the material with whom you disagree. If such people seem stubborn, mad and wicked to you, remind yourself that you seem so to them.
5. For those with good imagination, imagine an argument with someone who has contrary opinion. Try to see if your arguments against your opponent’s make sense and vice versa.
6. Be wary of opinions that flatter your self-esteem. Passions are often a source of errors.
Third Essay: Atheism and Agnosticism
• Russell calls himself a Rationalist, and defines that the central consideration in Rationalism is how you arrive at your opinions, not what your opinions are. Rationalist believes in the supremacy of reason. And if your reason lead you to orthodox conclusions, you are still a Rationalist.
• A Rationalist does not believe in absolute certainty of anything, but only in higher or lesser probabilities. Attaching degrees of certainty is very important; otherwise one may land in absolute skepticism, which is a useless thing.
Fourth Essay: Of Being Old
• Just a brief, informal reflection on the benefits of being old, and the present state of the world.
February 6, 2021
عنوان کتاب آدمو جذب میکنه ولی مقالات انتخابی بنظر ناکافی میرسه. از اغلاط املایی و نگارشی هم نپرسید
August 11, 2022
Published in 1923, here's an apologetic for Skepticism, the only way, for the philosopher, to avoid fanaticism of all sorts. Well... You could be excused to smirk at the idea of Russel being 'skeptic', him who had very strong and entrenched convictions, from politics to ethics and religion! Nevertheless, there's a lots of nuggets to take onboard here...
Dealing with a wide array of topics embracing from religion and politics to the role of the State, propaganda, education, ethics, puritanism and else (and else!) anyone will be able to find here something to walk away with.
Personally, I was particularly enthused with 'Is science superstitious?'. An hint to David Hume, where most sceptics calls upon science to justify their stance, Russell, on the contrary, dared criticising some of its core foundations (the causality principle, associated with inductive thinking, and which, for him, is not unlike... faith!).
At times surprising, but very good overall.
Dealing with a wide array of topics embracing from religion and politics to the role of the State, propaganda, education, ethics, puritanism and else (and else!) anyone will be able to find here something to walk away with.
Personally, I was particularly enthused with 'Is science superstitious?'. An hint to David Hume, where most sceptics calls upon science to justify their stance, Russell, on the contrary, dared criticising some of its core foundations (the causality principle, associated with inductive thinking, and which, for him, is not unlike... faith!).
At times surprising, but very good overall.
March 31, 2025
No matter my opinion of Russell as a philosopher, there's no doubt he was a great intellect and a distinguished man of letters, as these essays prove. I'd gladly read almost anything he's written (except for most of his actual philosophy).
October 27, 2018
Refreshing to read this book after so many years since college
December 19, 2021
در این کتاب راسل به بررسی ریشه های تاریخی برخی عقاید خرافی و تاثیرات منفی اونها بر جوامع از نژاد پرستی و برتری جنس مرد تا عقاید کلیسا در باره زنان و مشیت الهی در زلزله ها و صاعقه ها میگه ، راسل جایی در کتابش از تاریخ نقل میکنه که کلیسا با ایجاد صاعقه گیر در شهر و ساختمانها مخالف بود چون صاعقه رو تنبیه افراد گناهکار میدونست و وقتی بعد از نصب صاعقه گیر در شهر زلزله شد کشیش بیان میکرد که این زلزله برای تنبیه گناهکاران و به جبران اون صاعقه گیرهایی بوده که در شهر نصب شده !. یا چطور کشیشان با کاربرد داروی بیهوشی برای کاهش درد زنان مخالف بودند و اون رو فقط شایسته مردان دونسته و زنان رو شایسته درد و رنج کشیدن میدونستن !
راسل در این کتاب ریشه خرافات و عقاید خرافی و برتری بینی گروهی از انسانها رو شرح میده و میگه : ترس نوعی تمایل به ظلم و ستمگری ایجاد میکند و باعث شکل گیری عقاید خرافی میشود که بنظر ظلم رو توجیه میکند. و تا زمانی که ب نقطه ای نرسیم که عقل را بستاییم ظلم و شکنجه و خرافه در حال گسترش خواهد بود . و در نهایت میگه مسله چیستی عقاید شما نیست بلکه چگونگی رسیدن شما به آن عقاید است . ضروری ترین چیز این است که فرد باید استدلال خود را بر ستونی استوار بنا کند که مورد تایید علم است .
در نهایت به نظرم این کتاب کم حجم ارزش خوندن رو بسیار داره و بصورت خلاصه و مثالهای تاریخی روشن میکنه که چطور عدم باور به عقل و علم و خودبرتر بینی و ترس میتونه خرافه و ظلم بیافرینه و چقدر داشتن شکایت و تکیه بر علم و عقلانیت میتونه راهی به سوی زندگی بهتر برای همه و عدالت و برابری بیشتر بشه .
راسل در این کتاب ریشه خرافات و عقاید خرافی و برتری بینی گروهی از انسانها رو شرح میده و میگه : ترس نوعی تمایل به ظلم و ستمگری ایجاد میکند و باعث شکل گیری عقاید خرافی میشود که بنظر ظلم رو توجیه میکند. و تا زمانی که ب نقطه ای نرسیم که عقل را بستاییم ظلم و شکنجه و خرافه در حال گسترش خواهد بود . و در نهایت میگه مسله چیستی عقاید شما نیست بلکه چگونگی رسیدن شما به آن عقاید است . ضروری ترین چیز این است که فرد باید استدلال خود را بر ستونی استوار بنا کند که مورد تایید علم است .
در نهایت به نظرم این کتاب کم حجم ارزش خوندن رو بسیار داره و بصورت خلاصه و مثالهای تاریخی روشن میکنه که چطور عدم باور به عقل و علم و خودبرتر بینی و ترس میتونه خرافه و ظلم بیافرینه و چقدر داشتن شکایت و تکیه بر علم و عقلانیت میتونه راهی به سوی زندگی بهتر برای همه و عدالت و برابری بیشتر بشه .
May 5, 2020
It was Bertrand’s criticisms of Christianity that initially intrigued me a couple of years ago, but the more I read him the more I realize that his writing on every topic is sound, inclusive, and promotes a never-ceasing skepticism towards everything while also advocating to never be so arrogant as to proclaim absolutism.
October 2, 2019
DITTO
I must confess that I'm a Realist, as is the author, so this review is biased. The ideas expressed by the author are as timely today as they were when he wrote them. The book is well organized and understandable in plain to the point language. Even if you disagree with the ideas his dry humor is very entertaining.
I must confess that I'm a Realist, as is the author, so this review is biased. The ideas expressed by the author are as timely today as they were when he wrote them. The book is well organized and understandable in plain to the point language. Even if you disagree with the ideas his dry humor is very entertaining.
November 17, 2021
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, despite some of my disagreements with the author. I found myself laughing audibly at the comments he makes, whether it be about strange political theories, people who pretend to understand philosophy but clearly don't, or strange religious morality arguments.
June 23, 2024
Great mind
I waited until I had more life experience before reading any Bertrand Russell book. Now that I am life tested, I can appreciate the words of such a rational thinker. He had so much to teach us.
I waited until I had more life experience before reading any Bertrand Russell book. Now that I am life tested, I can appreciate the words of such a rational thinker. He had so much to teach us.
May 12, 2017
i can't wait to read more by him
July 6, 2018
So much wisdom from beginning to end. Great thinker. I enjoyed reading these essays.
Read
December 29, 2020Practical, digestible, somewhat nuanced discussion of questions and topics that often dismissed with platitudes or generally accepted without critical thought
July 1, 2022
I liked his point of view
He was such an amazing philosopher and i would like to read more books form him
He was such an amazing philosopher and i would like to read more books form him
May 6, 2016
Essays in Skepticism is a small compilation of his actual work both old and his new theories. The first major two-thirds of the book deals with different life philosophies while the last part dives into political philosophy. Russell talks about Man, Envy and Belief, Intellectual Rubbish, God and getting old.
The book starts off with a very interesting discussion that the humans blame the disasters not in their control to problems in the world today but according to Russell the principal cause is human. To explain it better he gives the example of famine.Famine, is something beyond human control but what about the crops and harvest which were destroyed during wars leading to famine? Wasn't that within human control??
Then he moves on to talk about insanity in olden days which was thought to be due to demonic possession and the only way to get rid of it was to inflict more pain on the human which would in turn make the demons uncomfortable and they would leave the poor soul. Can you imagine the brutality these people had to face on year's end. Even the kings we not expect from such beliefs. This treatment was tried on King George III when he was mad, but without any success.
These are just the beginning few pages. This book is full of interesting believes and ideas which we are or have been staunchly following. Russell just makes you think about them hard enough for you to realize that most of them do not make sense at all or if they do you will end up with a much bigger reason as to why. The best part is that you will come across a lot of things that you already agree to but Russell will give you a new insight on why those things are right and you will leave with solid reasonings to back your beliefs. That being said there were some beliefs in the book that I did not agree to at all but that does not mean in any way that Russell does not give rational reasons to back them up.
The book is full of strange anthropological studies from Polyandry in Tibet, where a wife would have many husbands since men were too poor to support a whole wife to housing shortage situation in Moscow where an un-married pregnant woman would have many contenders for the legal right to be considered the child's father because who ever she would choose would acquire the right to share the woman's room and as Russell comments "half a room is better than no roof".
The book is full of very interesting anecdotes which I found very humorous and some deep philosophical studies which were thought-provoking.
One of the interesting anecdotes mentioned is that of a prophetess who lived beside a lake in Northern New York in 1820 who had announced to her followers that she possessed the power to walk on water. One day she told her followers to gather at the lake where she would demonstrate her powers. When the cult gathered she asked them "Are you all entirely persuaded that I can walk in water? When they said they are. She replied "In that case there is no need for me to do so". The power of belief!
I would highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to challenge his/her accepted beliefs and ideas.Read it with a skeptical mind and think and question your own thoughts. It is written in clear, easy words but the message is dense.It is not one of those books which you can read with the wind but a book which needs time and presence. You might not agree with everything he says but you will end up with solid reasoning to your whys and why nots.This book pushes you to break your thinking barriers and to analyze each argument and come up with your own conclusion, most of which will be in sync with Russell's own analysis.
The book starts off with a very interesting discussion that the humans blame the disasters not in their control to problems in the world today but according to Russell the principal cause is human. To explain it better he gives the example of famine.Famine, is something beyond human control but what about the crops and harvest which were destroyed during wars leading to famine? Wasn't that within human control??
Then he moves on to talk about insanity in olden days which was thought to be due to demonic possession and the only way to get rid of it was to inflict more pain on the human which would in turn make the demons uncomfortable and they would leave the poor soul. Can you imagine the brutality these people had to face on year's end. Even the kings we not expect from such beliefs. This treatment was tried on King George III when he was mad, but without any success.
These are just the beginning few pages. This book is full of interesting believes and ideas which we are or have been staunchly following. Russell just makes you think about them hard enough for you to realize that most of them do not make sense at all or if they do you will end up with a much bigger reason as to why. The best part is that you will come across a lot of things that you already agree to but Russell will give you a new insight on why those things are right and you will leave with solid reasonings to back your beliefs. That being said there were some beliefs in the book that I did not agree to at all but that does not mean in any way that Russell does not give rational reasons to back them up.
The book is full of strange anthropological studies from Polyandry in Tibet, where a wife would have many husbands since men were too poor to support a whole wife to housing shortage situation in Moscow where an un-married pregnant woman would have many contenders for the legal right to be considered the child's father because who ever she would choose would acquire the right to share the woman's room and as Russell comments "half a room is better than no roof".
The book is full of very interesting anecdotes which I found very humorous and some deep philosophical studies which were thought-provoking.
One of the interesting anecdotes mentioned is that of a prophetess who lived beside a lake in Northern New York in 1820 who had announced to her followers that she possessed the power to walk on water. One day she told her followers to gather at the lake where she would demonstrate her powers. When the cult gathered she asked them "Are you all entirely persuaded that I can walk in water? When they said they are. She replied "In that case there is no need for me to do so". The power of belief!
I would highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to challenge his/her accepted beliefs and ideas.Read it with a skeptical mind and think and question your own thoughts. It is written in clear, easy words but the message is dense.It is not one of those books which you can read with the wind but a book which needs time and presence. You might not agree with everything he says but you will end up with solid reasoning to your whys and why nots.This book pushes you to break your thinking barriers and to analyze each argument and come up with your own conclusion, most of which will be in sync with Russell's own analysis.
November 9, 2011
You owe it to your brain to occasionally read a book that makes you think hard about ideas you do not usually think hard about. Lord Russell is my go-it writer for this. These essays argue for skepticism about many things, though, not surprisingly, religion is mentioned, but much of what is here considers political philosophy. Even if you basically agree with Russell, he will make you think about the reasons you hold similar conclusions, and your reasons for holding them will probably be better reasons after you read this book. I admit that much of my philosophy grows from skepticism, but that does not mean that the book is not challenging. I highly recommend it.
July 20, 2014
A book where Bertrand Russells ideas on Man, knowledge, god, and growing old are written. A good (and very short) read if you're interested in his views on these subjects.
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April 22, 2020amazing
October 9, 2020
Accessible.
July 3, 2018
The book has a style of very reserved writing
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