Men Quote by Bertrand Russell
“The wise man thinks about his troubles only when there is some purpose in doing so; at other times he thinks about other things, or, if it is night, about nothing at all.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell, 1912
The wise person chooses when to focus on problems, doing so only if it serves a purpose, otherwise diverting attention elsewhere or to nothing.
In simple terms: Think about troubles only when useful.
Key Takeaway
Focus on problems purposefully.
Themes
wisdom
focus
purpose
Mood
contemplative
balanced
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- decision making
- stress management
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
philosophy
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you need to confront a problem?
- What helps you let go?
A Different Perspective
May lead to overanalysis if misapplied.
![“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)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)