Full life Quote by Bertrand Russell
““In the modern world, those whom we effectively hate are distant groups, especially foreign nations. We conceive them abstractly, and deceive ourselves into the belief that acts which are really embodiments of hatred are done from love of justice or some such lofty motive. Only a large measure of scepticism can tear away the veils which hide this truth from us. Having achieved that, we could begin to build a new morality, not based on envy and restriction, but on the wish for a full life and the realization that other human beings are a help and not a hindrance when once the madness of envy has been cured. This is not a Utopian hope; it was partially realized in Elizabethan England. It could be realized tomorrow if men would learn to pursue their own happiness rather than the misery of others. This is no impossibly austere morality, yet its adoption would turn our earth into a paradise.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell, 1927
We often hate distant groups and rationalize it as justice, but skepticism reveals this as envy; a new morality should seek mutual flourishing instead of competition.
In simple terms: Hate distant groups and rationalize it; a new morality seeks mutual flourishing.
Key Takeaway
Adopt empathy and pursue personal happiness.
Themes
ethics
human nature
conflict
morality
empathy
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- international relations
- personal development
- policy making
- education
- community building
Key Concepts
philosophy
social psychology
enlightenment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies cultivate genuine skepticism toward justifications of hate?
- What steps can individuals take to replace envy with cooperative values?
A Different Perspective
It may be hard to overcome deep‑seated biases and systemic interests.
![“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)
