To be out of harmony with one's surroundings is of course a misfortune, but it is not always a misfortune to be avoided at all costs. Where the environment is stupid or prejudiced or cruel, it is a sign of merit to be out of harmony with it.
Bertrand RussellWho ever heard a theologian preface his creed, or a politician conclude his speech with an estimate of the probable error of his opinion?
Bertrand RussellHuman life, its growth, its hopes, fears, loves, et cetera, are the result of accidents
Bertrand RussellIt is only through imagination that men become aware of what the world might be; without it, โprogressโ would become mechanical and trivial.
Bertrand RussellThe fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt. Even those of the intelligent who believe that they have a nostrum are too individualistic to combine with other intelligent men from whom they differ on minor points.
Bertrand Russell