Absolutes Quote by Bertrand Russell
“The fact that a belief has a good moral effect upon a man is no evidence whatsoever in favor of its truth. I'm not contending in a dogmatic way that there is not a God. What I'm contending is that we don't know that there is. I don't like the word "absolute." I don't think there is anything absolute whatever. The moral law, for example, is always changing. At one period in the development of the human race, almost everybody thought cannibalism was a duty.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell, 1912
Moral usefulness of a belief doesn’t prove its truth; truth requires evidence beyond ethical impact.
In simple terms: Good deeds don’t prove belief is true.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence for truth, not just moral comfort.
Themes
epistemology
morality
skepticism
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- scientific inquiry
- ethical debate
- policy making
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
truth criteria
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you hold for moral reasons?
- Can a belief be true without moral value?
A Different Perspective
Truth may be elusive despite moral benefits.
![“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)
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
