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 world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

People are zealous for a cause when they are not quite positive that it is...

People are zealous for a cause when they are not quite positive that it is...

The root of the matterï¿½ the thing I meanï¿½ is love, Christian love, or compassion....

The root of the matterï¿½ the thing I meanï¿½ is love, Christian love, or compassion....

The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it...

The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it...

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,...

Whenever one finds oneself inclined to bitterness, it is a sign of emotional failure.

Whenever one finds oneself inclined to bitterness, it is a sign of emotional failure.

Men who are unhappy, like men who sleep badly, are always proud of the fact.

Men who are unhappy, like men who sleep badly, are always proud of the fact.

Belief in God and a future life makes it possible to go through life with...

Belief in God and a future life makes it possible to go through life with...

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...

Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once...

Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once...

To understand a name you must be acquainted with the particular of which it is...

To understand a name you must be acquainted with the particular of which it is...

Work is of two kinds: first, altering the position of matter at or near the...

Work is of two kinds: first, altering the position of matter at or near the...

The place of the father in the modern suburban family is a very small one,...

The place of the father in the modern suburban family is a very small one,...

Right discipline consists, not in external compulsion, but in the habits of mind which lead...

Right discipline consists, not in external compulsion, but in the habits of mind which lead...

Our individual life is brief, and perhaps the whole life of mankind will be brief...

Our individual life is brief, and perhaps the whole life of mankind will be brief...

Many a man will have the courage to die gallantly, but will not have the...

Many a man will have the courage to die gallantly, but will not have the...

One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out...

One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out...

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...

Life was a damned muddle - a football game with everyone offside and the referee...

Life was a damned muddle - a football game with everyone offside and the referee...

Home life as we understand it is no more natural to us than a cage...

Home life as we understand it is no more natural to us than a cage...