Skip to content

The trouble arises from the generally received philosophy…

“The trouble arises from the generally received philosophy of life, according to which life is a contest, a competition, in which respect is to be a ccorded to the victor. This view leads to an undue cultivation of the will at the expense of the senses and the intellect.” quote by Bertrand Russell
Download Open image
““The trouble arises from the generally received philosophy of life, according to which life is a contest, a competition, in which respect is to be a ccorded to the victor. This view leads to an undue cultivation of the will at the expense of the senses and the intellect.””

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.

Life as competition fosters willpower over senses and intellect, leading to imbalance and loss of holistic understanding.

In simple terms: Competing focus harms mental and sensory development.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate balance between ambition and appreciation.

Themes

competition philosophy willpower balance

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical instructive

When to use this quote

  • education
  • career ambition
  • personal development

Key Concepts

human nature intellectual growth sensory experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can competition be harnessed positively?
  • What practices nurture both intellect and senses?
A Different Perspective

The view may oversimplify competition’s role in motivation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bertrand Russell

Explore all 1,620 Bertrand Russell quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes