Bertrand Russell

Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so.

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

If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way.

No one gossips about other people’s secret virtues.

Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind.

The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.

The trouble with fighting for human freedom is that one spends most of one’s time defending scoundrels. For it is against scoundrels that oppressive laws are first aimed, and oppression must be stopped at the beginning if it is to be stopped at all.

Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.

[on Diana’s Death] Disbelief, refused to accept it.

All heiresses are beautiful.

There can be no lasting peace where hatred exists. Hatreds will continue to arise as long as the causes of war are not rooted out and exposed.

Thinking calls for facts; facts are found by digging; but he who has gathered this wealth is well equipped for life.

Life does not consist mainly, or even largely, of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of the storm of thought that is forever flowing through one’s head.

There are two types of speakers, those that are nervous and those that are liars.

Grief is a process to go through, not a destination in which to wallow. In a process, you keep putting one foot in front of the other, and each little step is part of your healing.

In matters of style, swim with the current;In matters of principle, stand like a rock.

Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul.

The think I remember most about Brooklyn was how much I wanted to get out of Brooklyn.

If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.

No American ought to be compelled to strike for his rights. He ought to receive them naturally, easily, as a matter of course.

If we admit that human life can be ruled by reason, then all possibility of life is destroyed.