Civilization Quote by Bertrand Russell
“Whether science-and indeed civilization in general-can long survive depends upon psychology, that is to say, it depends upon what human beings desire.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Conquest of Happiness", 1930
Human desire drives both science and civilization; psychology determines their longevity.
In simple terms: Desire shapes scientific and societal progress.
Key Takeaway
Understand and guide human desires.
Themes
psychology
science
civilization
desire
future
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research funding
- education reform
- public discourse
Key Concepts
motivation
human nature
cultural evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires should society prioritize?
- How can psychology steer civilization?
A Different Perspective
Desires can be irrational or self‑destructive.
![“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)
![“Our use of the phrase 'The Dark Ages' to cover the period from 600 to 1000 marks our undue concentration on Western Europe. [...] From India to Spain, the brilliant civilisation of Islam flourished. What was lost to Christendom at this time was not lost to civilisation, but quite the contrary…” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2e/bertrand-russell-69_civilization_our-use-of-the-phrase-the-dark-ages-to-c_206649.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)
