Absurd Quote by Bertrand Russell
“Every isolated passion, is, in isolation, insane; sanity may be defined as synthesis of insanities. Every dominant passion generates a dominant fear, the fear of its non-fulfillment. Every dominant fear generates a nightmare, sometimes in form of explicit and conscious fanaticism, sometimes in paralyzing timidity, sometimes in an unconscious or subconscious terror which finds expression only in dreams. The man who wishes to preserve sanity in a dangerous world should summon in his own mind a parliament of fears, in which each in turn is voted absurd by all the others.”
About This Quote
Isolation of a single passion leads to irrationality; sanity arises from integrating multiple drives, while each dominant drive spawns a corresponding fear that can manifest as fanaticism, timidity, or subconscious terror. Balancing these fears through internal dialogue restores equilibrium.
In simple terms: Balancing passions and fears yields sanity.
Key Takeaway
Integrate opposing drives to achieve mental stability.
Themes
psychology
philosophy
balance
fear
sanity
Mood
reflective
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
psychological
advice
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- creative work
- stress management
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
integration
dualism
self-regulation
Practical Applications
- psychotherapy
- leadership coaching
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify the fears linked to your strongest drives?
- What practices help you synthesize opposing impulses?
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