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

If any philosopher had been asked for a definition of infinity, he might have produced...

If any philosopher had been asked for a definition of infinity, he might have produced...

Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery.

Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery.

Men are born ignorant, not stupid. They are made stupid by education.

Men are born ignorant, not stupid. They are made stupid by education.

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 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...

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are...

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are...

The slave is doomed to worship time and fate and death, because they are greater...

The slave is doomed to worship time and fate and death, because they are greater...

A life without adventure is likely to be unsatisfying, but a life in which adventure...

A life without adventure is likely to be unsatisfying, but a life in which adventure...

The true spirit of delight, the exaltation, the sense of being more than Man, which...

The true spirit of delight, the exaltation, the sense of being more than Man, which...

Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty - a beauty cold and...

Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty - a beauty cold and...

All human activity is prompted by desire

All human activity is prompted by desire

There is no greater reason for children to honour parents than for parents to honour...

There is no greater reason for children to honour parents than for parents to honour...

In all affairs, love, religion, politics, or business, it's a healthy idea, now and then,...

In all affairs, love, religion, politics, or business, it's a healthy idea, now and then,...

Politics is largely governed by sententious platitudes which are devoid of truth

Politics is largely governed by sententious platitudes which are devoid of truth

With the introduction of agriculture mankind entered upon a long period of meanness, misery, and...

With the introduction of agriculture mankind entered upon a long period of meanness, misery, and...

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...

If politics is to become scientific, and if the event is not to be constantly...

If politics is to become scientific, and if the event is not to be constantly...

Almost everything that distinguishes the modern world from earlier centuries is attributable to science, which...

Almost everything that distinguishes the modern world from earlier centuries is attributable to science, which...

To acquire immunity to eloquence is of the utmost importance to the citizens of a...

To acquire immunity to eloquence is of the utmost importance to the citizens of a...

None but a coward dares to boast that he has never known fear.

None but a coward dares to boast that he has never known fear.