Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. – Bertrand Russell
Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. – Bertrand Russell
In this quote, Bertrand Russell suggests that fear plays a significant role in shaping human behavior, particularly in fostering superstition and cruelty. Superstition often arises from the fear of the unknown or the desire to exert control over uncertain situations; people may create or cling to irrational beliefs as a way to cope with their anxieties. Similarly, fear can lead to cruelty, as individuals or groups may react defensively to perceived threats, resulting in harm to others. Thus, Russell highlights the idea that fear can distort human values and actions, driving people towards irrational beliefs and harmful behaviors.
Quote By: Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) was a British philosopher, logician, and social critic, renowned for his foundational work in mathematical logic and analytic philosophy. A prolific writer and public intellectual, he played a significant role in promoting pacifism and social reform, winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for his varied literary work. Russell's influential ideas and advocacy for rationalism and humanitarianism continue to resonate in contemporary philosophical and political discourse.
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