Capable Quote by Bertrand Russell
“It appeared to me that the dignity of which human existence is capable is not attainable by devotion to the mechanism of life , and that unless contemplation of eternal things is preserved, mankind will become no better than well-fed pigs.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Conquest of Happiness, Bertrand Russell, 1930
Human dignity requires contemplation of eternal values, not mere material survival; without it, humanity degrades to base existence.
In simple terms: Dignity needs deeper purpose beyond material life.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning beyond materialism.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- education
- personal development
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Existentialism
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What eternal values guide your life?
- How do you balance material needs with deeper purpose?
A Different Perspective
Critics argue that spiritual contemplation can be elitist or impractical.
![“Above all, creators remain drawn to the age-old paradoxes that philosophy grapples with [and]...that art occasionally resolves...the problem of the one and the many; unity and variety; determinism and freedom; mechanism and vitalism; good and evil; time and eternity; the plenum and the void; moral…” quote by Frank Barron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c44/frank-barron-42375_absolutism_above-all-creators-remain-drawn-to-the-a_1821578.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)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
