Bertrand Russell on Rational Thought and Social Harmony
- Rational Thinking for Justice – Russell emphasizes that irrational beliefs fuel conflicts, and a philosophical mindset can promote social justice and peaceful coexistence.
- Knowledge Over Superstition – Mistaken beliefs hinder progress; only true knowledge, not prejudice or superstition, can lead to meaningful solutions.
- Truth Over Comforting Lies – Embracing truth, even when uncomfortable, is essential for intellectual integrity and avoiding self-deception.
One of the greatest philosophers of the 20th century, Bertrand Russell, claimed that philosophy is about developing an attitude free from social conditioning as much as it is about abstract thought. “If you want to become a philosopher, you must try, as far as you can, to get rid of beliefs that depend solely upon the place and time of your education and upon what your parents and schoolmasters told you,” Russell says in his essay “The Art of Philosophy.” He argues that aiming for intellectual independence is a necessary endeavour, even though total disengagement from inherited views is unachievable.
A philosophical mindset encourages critical inquiry, helping individuals recognise biases that fuel conflicts. If more people embraced philosophy, disputes could be settled amicably rather than through violence. By questioning inherited prejudices, societies can work towards a more just world.
Irrational Beliefs and Their Role in Conflict
One of the most profound consequences of irrational beliefs is their contribution to war and social strife. “The only way in which a society can live for any length of time without violent strife is by establishing social justice,” Russell states. However, justice becomes difficult when individuals or groups believe they are inherently superior. Class divisions emerge when one social group assumes entitlement to power and wealth, creating resentment and conflict. Nationalism, another example, fosters the illusion of superiority among nations, making peaceful coexistence nearly impossible. Even religious differences, Russell notes, have historically led to wars, as each faith believes in the absolute correctness of its doctrine.
A philosophical mindset encourages critical inquiry, helping individuals recognise biases that fuel conflicts. If more people embraced philosophy, disputes could be settled amicably rather than through violence. By questioning inherited prejudices, societies can work towards a more just world.
The Failure of Mistaken Beliefs to Achieve Good
The fact that erroneous beliefs frequently result in inefficient or even destructive behaviours is another important justification for studying philosophy. Russell cautions that “misguided beliefs do not, as a rule, enable you to realise good purposes.” There are several instances throughout history where misconceptions have had disastrous results. People congregated in churches throughout the Middle Ages, when plagues ravaged Europe, in the hope that their prayers might result in divine intervention. Rather, the overcrowded, inadequately ventilated areas hastened the spread of illness.
In the same way, many people today are duped by conspiracy theories and pseudoscience, believing in miraculous treatments or ignoring scientific knowledge in favour of unfounded assertions. Without a commitment to rational inquiry, society remains vulnerable to deception, which often results in harm rather than progress. To achieve positive outcomes, individuals must seek knowledge rather than relying on superstition or prejudice.
The Superiority of Truth Over Falsehood
Russell’s third reason for embracing philosophy is perhaps the most fundamental: truth is inherently better than falsehood. He states, “There is something ignominious in going about sustained by comfortable lies.” A life built on deception, whether personal or societal, is fragile and ultimately unsatisfactory. Just as a deceived spouse becomes an object of ridicule, any happiness derived from falsehood is pitiful.
Illusions provide comfort, which is why many people adhere to them. Nevertheless, this solace is transitory and may eventually have disastrous effects. For instance, a country may face environmental disasters if it disregards scientific evidence regarding climate change. A person may find it difficult to grow personally if they are unable to face the hard realities of who they are. Truth is ultimately liberating and essential for real growth, even though it might be painful at times.
Training Both Intellect and Emotion
In addition to honing one’s mind, becoming a philosopher requires developing emotional fortitude. “You must train both the intellect and the emotions if you want to become a philosopher,” Russell stresses. This entails being receptive to unpleasant realities, questioning one’s firmly held convictions, and being prepared to adjust one’s mind in light of fresh information. Both logical reasoning and the emotional fortitude to acknowledge and respond to challenging truths are necessary for true philosophical investigation.
Conclusion
The observations made by Bertrand Russell are just as applicable now as they were when he was alive. A philosophical outlook on life helps people overcome ingrained prejudices, fosters social cohesion, guarantees that knowledge, not superstition, governs human behaviour, and supports the superiority of truth over lies. Developing a philosophical attitude is not only an intellectual endeavour but also a moral requirement in a time of disinformation, political polarisation, and international crises.
We may help create a more equitable and enlightened world by making an effort to live as philosophers in our daily lives—challenging presumptions, seeking the truth, and choosing reason over bias.
