Bliss Quote by Bertrand Russell
“The late F. W. H. Myers used to tell how he asked a man at a dinner table what he thought would happen to him when he died. The man tried to ignore the question, but, on being pressed, replied: "Oh well, I suppose I shall inherit eternal bliss, but I wish you wouldn't talk about such unpleasant subjects."”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Conquest of Happiness, 1930
Russell illustrates a man's avoidance of death topics, highlighting human discomfort with mortality and the tendency to seek reassurance.
In simple terms: People often dodge discussions about death, preferring comfort.
Key Takeaway
Confront uncomfortable truths directly.
Themes
mortality
comfort
communication
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
conversational
When to use this quote
- dinner conversation
- therapy sessions
- public speaking
- teaching about death
Key Concepts
Existential Anxiety
Social Interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we shy away from death?
- What benefits arise from honest discussions about mortality?
A Different Perspective
Avoidance can prevent genuine understanding of life's finitude.
![“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)
