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

Every philosophical problem, when it is subjected to the necessary analysis and justification, is found...

Every philosophical problem, when it is subjected to the necessary analysis and justification, is found...

A sense of duty is useful in work but offensive in personal relations. People wish...

A sense of duty is useful in work but offensive in personal relations. People wish...

Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery.

Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery.

Love as a relation between men and women was ruined by the desire to make...

Love as a relation between men and women was ruined by the desire to make...

I observe that a very large portion of the human race does not believe in...

I observe that a very large portion of the human race does not believe in...

I like mathematics because it is not human and has nothing particular to do with...

I like mathematics because it is not human and has nothing particular to do with...

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

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

Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true...

Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true...

Boredom is a vital problem for the moralist, since at least half the sins of...

Boredom is a vital problem for the moralist, since at least half the sins of...

Obscenity is whatever happens to shock some elderly and ignorant magistrate.

Obscenity is whatever happens to shock some elderly and ignorant magistrate.

Aristotle maintained that women have fewer teeth than men; although he was twice married, it...

Aristotle maintained that women have fewer teeth than men; although he was twice married, it...

Mathematics takes us into the region of absolute necessity, to which not only the actual...

Mathematics takes us into the region of absolute necessity, to which not only the actual...

It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have...

It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have...

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

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

To a modern mind, it is difficult to feel enthusiastic about a virtuous life if...

To a modern mind, it is difficult to feel enthusiastic about a virtuous life if...

Freedom comes only to those who no longer ask of life that it shall yield...

Freedom comes only to those who no longer ask of life that it shall yield...

The most savage controversies are about matters as to which there is no good evidence...

The most savage controversies are about matters as to which there is no good evidence...

Contempt for happiness is usually contempt for other people's happiness, and is an elegant disguise...

Contempt for happiness is usually contempt for other people's happiness, and is an elegant disguise...

What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness...

What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness...

Just as a cautious businessman avoids investing all his capital in one concern, so wisdom...

Just as a cautious businessman avoids investing all his capital in one concern, so wisdom...