Awe Quote by Bertrand Russell
“Speaking psycho-analytically, it may be laid down that any "great ideal" which people mention with awe is really an excuse for inflicting pain on their enemies. Good wine needs no bush, and good morals need no bated breath.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell, 1927
Great ideals are often used to justify harming opponents; moral claims should stand without grandiose language.
In simple terms: Excuses hide harm behind lofty ideas.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind moral rhetoric.
Themes
ethics
power
justification
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- activism
- personal reflection
- public discourse
- null
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology of belief
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you use ideals to excuse actions?
- How can we test the sincerity of moral claims?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can mask selfish aggression.
![“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)
