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As soon as we abandon our own reason, and are content to…

“As soon as we abandon our own reason, and are content to rely upon authority, there is no end to our trouble. . . . No Catholic, for instance, takes seriously the text which says that a Bishop should be the husband of one wife.” quote by Bertrand Russell
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“As soon as we abandon our own reason, and are content to rely upon authority, there is no end to our trouble. . . . No Catholic, for instance, takes seriously the text which says that a Bishop should be the husband of one wife.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Blindly trusting authority leads to endless trouble; critical thinking is essential.

In simple terms: Question authority to avoid problems.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate independent thought.

Themes

critical thinking authority individual liberty

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • media consumption
  • political activism
  • personal decision‑making

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it appropriate to trust expertise?
  • How can you balance skepticism with openness?
A Different Perspective

Authority can be necessary for social order.

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