Human happiness Quote by Bertrand Russell
““The bulk of the population of every country is persuaded that all marriage customs other than its own are immoral, and that those who combat this view do so only in order to justify their own loose lives. In India, the remarriage of widows is traditionally regarded as a thing too horrible to contemplate. In Catholic countries divorce is thought very wicked, but some failure of conjugal fidelity is tolerated, at least in men. In America divorce is easy, but extra-conjugal relations are condemned with the utmost severity. Mohammedans believe in polygamy, which we think degrading. All these differing opinions are held with extreme vehemence, and very cruel persecutions are inflicted upon those who contravene them. Yet no one in any of the various countries makes the slightest attempt to show that the custom of his own country contributes more to human happiness than the custom of others.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Marriage and Morality by Bertrand Russell, 1929
People judge other cultures' marriage customs harshly while ignoring flaws in their own, leading to persecution of dissenters.
In simple terms: We criticize others' customs but ignore our own flaws.
Key Takeaway
Question your own cultural assumptions.
Themes
cultural relativism
ethics
social criticism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- cross‑cultural research
- policy reform
- education curricula
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
moral relativism
cultural bias
social conformity
Questions to Reflect On
- What customs in your own culture might harm happiness?
- How can societies learn from each other's practices?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all societies are equally oppressive without nuance.
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