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

Quote by Bertrand Russell

Topics: Bertrand Russell Quotes

The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.

The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.

I am a firm believer in democratic representative government as the best form for those...

I am a firm believer in democratic representative government as the best form for those...

Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which...

Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which...

The whole conception of God is a conception derived from the ancient Oriental despotisms.

The whole conception of God is a conception derived from the ancient Oriental despotisms.

Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, Thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions,...

Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, Thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions,...

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...

I remain convinced that obstinate addiction to ordinary language in our private thoughts is one...

I remain convinced that obstinate addiction to ordinary language in our private thoughts is one...

Religions, which condemn the pleasures of sense, drive men to seek the pleasures of power....

Religions, which condemn the pleasures of sense, drive men to seek the pleasures of power....

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.

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...

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...

The difference between mind and brain is not a difference of quality, but a difference...

The difference between mind and brain is not a difference of quality, but a difference...

It is not by prayer and humility that you cause things to go as you...

It is not by prayer and humility that you cause things to go as you...

It is not power itself, but the legitimation of the lust for power, which corrupts...

It is not power itself, but the legitimation of the lust for power, which corrupts...

The megalomaniac differs from the narcissist by the fact that he wishes to be powerful...

The megalomaniac differs from the narcissist by the fact that he wishes to be powerful...

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.

By self-interest, Man has become gregarious, but in instinct he has remained to a great...

By self-interest, Man has become gregarious, but in instinct he has remained to a great...

All human activity is prompted by desire

All human activity is prompted by desire

A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to...

A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to...

But he did not understand the price. Mortals never do. They only see the prize....

But he did not understand the price. Mortals never do. They only see the prize....