Common Quote by Bertrand Russell
“The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation ... it is common to wish well to oneself, but in our technically unified world, wishing well to oneself is sure to be futile unless it is combined with wishing well to others.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Conquest of Happiness, Bertrand Russell, 1930
Human survival depends on mutual aid; self‑interest alone fails in a globally connected world.
In simple terms: We must help each other to thrive.
Key Takeaway
Cooperate, not just wish well.
Themes
cooperation
interdependence
ethics
Mood
hopeful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- public health
- international relations
- community projects
Key Concepts
social contract
globalization
altruism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we build trust across cultures?
- What incentives encourage collective action?
A Different Perspective
Cooperation can be hindered by mistrust and competition.
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![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
