Admirable Quote by Bertrand Russell
“I say people who feel they must have a faith or religion in order to face life are showing a kind of cowardice, which in any other sphere would be considered contemptible. But when it is in the religious sphere it is thought admirable, and I cannot admire cowardice whatever sphere it is in.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell, 1927
Russell argues that relying on religion to cope with life's challenges is a form of cowardice, unlike other domains where such reliance is scorned.
In simple terms: Religion as a crutch is cowardice.
Key Takeaway
Question courage over faith.
Themes
courage
faith
criticism
humanism
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- ethical decision making
- public speaking
- education
- mental health
Key Concepts
existentialism
secularism
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever turn to belief for strength?
- Can moral courage exist without religious belief?
A Different Perspective
Religious comfort can provide genuine solace for many, despite Russell's critique.
![“[There are m]oral precepts that we consider really important, such as 'don't pick your nose' or 'don't eat peas with a knife'. There may, for ought I know, be admirable reasons for eating peas with a knife, but . . . early persuasion has made me completely incapable of appreciating them.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a02/bertrand-russell-69_admirable_there-are-m-oral-precepts-that-we-consid_2626535.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)
![“I didn't get a chance to meet Glen [Beck] for this movie. I did meet him a few years ago, coincidentally, before any of this happened. But I've been familiar with his work, so I felt I wanted to get it right. I wanted to honor him. I respect him and I think the way he does his job is admirable…” quote by Zachary Quinto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bee/zachary-quinto-4021_admirable_i-didn-t-get-a-chance-to-meet-glen-beck_138334.jpg)
