--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Something of the hermit's temper is an…" description: "\"Something of the hermit's temper is an essential element in many forms of excellence, since it enables men to resist the lure of popularity, to pursue ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a14/bertrand-russell-69_elements_something-of-the-hermit-s-temper-is-an-e_2631551.jpg" --- # Something of the hermit's temper is an essential element… ![“Something of the hermit's temper is an essential element in many forms of excellence, since it enables men to resist the lure of popularity, to pursue important work in spite of general indifference or hostility, and arrive at opinions which are opposed to prevalent errors.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a14/bertrand-russell-69_elements_something-of-the-hermit-s-temper-is-an-e_2631551.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a14/bertrand-russell-69_elements_something-of-the-hermit-s-temper-is-an-e_2631551.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a14/bertrand-russell-69_elements_something-of-the-hermit-s-temper-is-an-e_2631551.jpg) > “Something of the hermit's temper is an essential element in many forms of excellence, since it enables men to resist the lure of popularity, to pursue important work in spite of general indifference or hostility, and arrive at opinions which are opposed to prevalent errors.” [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that solitude fosters excellence by allowing resistance to popular pressure and pursuit of truth. **In simple terms:** Solitude helps achieve true excellence. Key Takeaway Seek solitude for deep work. Themes excellence solitude truth Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - research - creative writing - scientific inquiry - personal development Key Concepts philosophy critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - When have you needed solitude to think? - How do you balance solitude with social engagement? A Different Perspective Too much isolation can hinder collaboration. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Elements](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elements/) [Excellence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excellence/) [Hermits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hermits/) [Hostility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hostility/) [Indifference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/indifference/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Popularity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/popularity/) [Solitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/solitude/) [Spite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spite/) [Temper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/temper/) ## Related quotes > [There are two things that a playwright can have. Success or failure. I imagine there are dangers in both. 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A person whose vices and follies are not sociable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/hermit-n-a-person-whose-vices-and-follies-are-not-sociable/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [And then you came along and you spoke to me and nobody had looked me in the eye for years. (...) 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