No; we have been as usual asking the wrong question. It does not matter a hoot what the mockingbird on the chimney is singing. The real and proper question is: Why is it beautiful?

Quote by Bertrand Russell

Topics: Bertrand Russell Quotes

The degree of one's emotions varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts.

The degree of one's emotions varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts.

Punctuality is a quality the need of which is bound up with social co-operation. It...

Punctuality is a quality the need of which is bound up with social co-operation. It...

More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the...

More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the...

This has been my life. I have found it worth living, and would gladly live...

This has been my life. I have found it worth living, and would gladly live...

The fundamental concept in social science is Power, in the same sense in which Energy...

The fundamental concept in social science is Power, in the same sense in which Energy...

The theoretical understanding of the world, which is the aim of philosophy, is not a...

The theoretical understanding of the world, which is the aim of philosophy, is not a...

Science is what you know, philosophy is what you don't know.

Science is what you know, philosophy is what you don't know.

Against my will, in the course of my travels, the belief that everything worth knowing...

Against my will, in the course of my travels, the belief that everything worth knowing...

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if...

It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if...

Indignation is a submission of our thoughts, but not of our desires.

Indignation is a submission of our thoughts, but not of our desires.

His wit and irony - particularly when he uses them to condemn superstition - are...

His wit and irony - particularly when he uses them to condemn superstition - are...

The fundamental defect of Christian ethics consists in the fact that it labels certain classes...

The fundamental defect of Christian ethics consists in the fact that it labels certain classes...

Next to enjoying ourselves, the next greatest pleasure consists in preventing others from enjoying themselves,...

Next to enjoying ourselves, the next greatest pleasure consists in preventing others from enjoying themselves,...

Patriots always talk of dying for their country, and never of killing for their country.

Patriots always talk of dying for their country, and never of killing for their country.

Since evolution became fashionable, the glorification of Man has taken a new form.

Since evolution became fashionable, the glorification of Man has taken a new form.

The universe may have a purpose, but nothing we know suggests that, if so, this...

The universe may have a purpose, but nothing we know suggests that, if so, this...

Most political leaders acquire their position by causing large numbers of people to believe that...

Most political leaders acquire their position by causing large numbers of people to believe that...

Not everything you want is everything you really need. The standard of society is motivated...

Not everything you want is everything you really need. The standard of society is motivated...

The great leaders are like the best conductors - they reach beyond the notes to...

The great leaders are like the best conductors - they reach beyond the notes to...

Politics is the art of preventing people from sticking their noses in things that are...

Politics is the art of preventing people from sticking their noses in things that are...

I have never regarded politics as the arena of morals. It is the arena of...

I have never regarded politics as the arena of morals. It is the arena of...