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.

Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons.

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.

Efficiency is intelligent laziness.

When hungry, eat your rice; when tired, close your eyes. Fools may laugh at me, but wise men will know what I mean.

Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

Roaming through the jungle of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’, searching for a more agreeable noise, I live a life of primitivity with the mind of a child and an unquenchable thirst for sharps and flats.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Common sense needs to be more common.

Prophesy is a good line of business, but it is full of risks.

When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.

For a year, I had all sorts of weirdos coming on to me.

Clouds float in the same pattern only once.

The basis of peace should be a world federation.

Instinct is probably the essence of past experience and knowledge stored up for later use. There are many, you know, who think that this life journey through the world is not the first one we have made. Haven’t you ever come across children who knew things that it was impossible for them to have learned? Have you ever gone to a place for the first time and felt sure that you had been there before? That’s one of the reasons I do not travel much.

What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left.

Know your goal, make a plan and pull the trigger.

The person who reads too much and uses his brain too little will fall into lazy habits of thinking.