Adults Quote by Bertrand Russell
![“The first essential character [of civilization], I should say, is forethought. This, I would say, is what distinguishes men from brutes and adults from children.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07a/bertrand-russell-69_adults_the-first-essential-character-of-civiliz_1556492.jpg)
“The first essential character [of civilization], I should say, is forethought. This, I would say, is what distinguishes men from brutes and adults from children.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Conquest of Happiness, 1930
Forethought distinguishes humans from animals; it enables planning, responsibility, and moral progress beyond instinct.
In simple terms: Thinking ahead defines humanity.
Key Takeaway
Practice foresight in decisions.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
progress
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- personal budgeting
- public policy
- education
Key Concepts
future planning
ethical development
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does foresight affect your daily choices?
- Can too much planning hinder spontaneity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑planning can cause anxiety.
![“The first essential character [of civilization], I should say, is forethought. This, indeed, is what mainly distinguishes men from brutes and adults from children.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/038/bertrand-russell-69_adults_the-first-essential-character-of-civiliz_260958.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)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
