Aristotle, in spite of his reputation, is full of…
“Aristotle, in spite of his reputation, is full of absurdities. He says that children should be conceived in the Winter, when the wind is in the North, and that if people marry too young the children will be female. He tells us that the blood of females is blacker then that of males; that the pig is the only animal liable to measles; that an elephant suffering from insomnia should have its shoulders rubbed with salt, olive-oil, and warm water; that women have fewer teeth than men, and so on. Nevertheless, he is considered by the great majority of philosophers a paragon of wisdom.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Russell highlights how even revered thinkers can hold many false or absurd beliefs, yet their overall contributions remain valuable.
In simple terms: Great thinkers can be wrong about details but still be wise overall.
Key Takeaway
Separate ideas from the thinker.
Themes
philosophy
mistakes
reputation
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic study
- public discourse
- teaching philosophy
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we evaluate ideas independently of their author?
- What criteria should we use to judge a thinker's overall worth?
A Different Perspective
Even brilliant minds can be flawed; avoid blind reverence.