Book Quote by Bertrand Russell
“A good social system is not to be secured by making people unselfish, but, by making their own vital impulses fit in with other peoples. This is feasible. Those who have produced stoic philosophies have all had enough to eat and drink. I feel I shall find the truth on my deathbed and be surrounded by people too stupid to understand—fussing about medicines instead of searching for wisdom. I hate being all tidy like a book in a library where nobody reads – prison is horribly like that.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Conquest of Happiness, Bertrand Russell, 1930
A social system works best when individuals' natural drives align with others, not by forcing selflessness.
In simple terms: Align natural drives with society.
Key Takeaway
Design systems that channel personal impulses positively.
Themes
society
human nature
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- community building
- education
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
social contract
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions encourage alignment of personal and collective goals?
- What incentives best harmonize individual impulses with societal needs?
A Different Perspective
People may resist changing personal habits even when benefits are clear.
![“The Stoic assures us that what is happening now will happen over and over again. [If so, Providende would] ultimately grow weary through despair.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aad/bertrand-russell-69_despair_the-stoic-assures-us-that-what-is-happen_1326504.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
