Quotes from Bertrand Russell

A life devoted to science is therefore a happy life, and its happiness is derived from the very best sources that are open to dwellers on this troubled and passionate planet.

Upon hearing via Littlewood an exposition on the theory of relativity: To think I have spent my life on absolute muck.

Into every tidy scheme for arranging the pattern of human life, it is necessary to inject a certain dose of anarchism.

If one lived for ever the joys of life would inevitably in the end lose their savour. As it is, they remain perennially fresh.

If you question any candid person who is no longer young, he is very likely to tell you that, having tasted life in this world, he has no wish to begin again as a "new boy" in another.

Machines have altered our way of life, but not our instincts. Consequently, there is maladjustment.

Human nature being what it is, people will insist upon getting some pleasure out of life.

I do not believe that I am now dreaming, but I cannot prove that I am not. I am, however, quite certain that I am having certain experiences, whether they be those of a dream or those of waking life.

Science is no substitute for virtue; the heart is as necessary for a good life as the head.

... the whole world of loneliness, poverty, and pain make a mockery of what human life should be.

It is obviously possible that what we call waking life may only be an unusual and persistent nightmare.

To a modern mind, it is difficult to feel enthusiastic about a virtuous life if nothing is going to be achieved by it.

But I simply can't stand a view limited to this earth, I feel life is so small unless it has windows into other worlds...I like mathematics largely because it is not human.

I do not pretend to start with precise questions. I do not think you can start with anything precise. You have to achieve such precision as you can, as you go along.

Contempt for happiness is usually contempt for other people's happiness, and is an elegant disguise for hatred of the human race.

The megalomaniac differs from the narcissist by the fact that he wishes to be powerful rather than charming, and seeks to be feared rather than loved. To this type belong many lunatics and most of the great men of history.

Conventional people are roused to fury by departure from convention, largely because they regard such departure as a criticism of themselves.

Next to enjoying ourselves, the next greatest pleasure consists in preventing others from enjoying themselves, or, more generally, in the acquisition of power.

In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.

Freedom of opinion can only exist when the government thinks itself secure.

Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, Thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable habit. Thought is great and swift and free.

Indignation is a submission of our thoughts, but not of our desires.

Both in thought and in feeling, even though time be real, to realise the unimportance of time is the gate of wisdom.

Common sense, however it tries, cannot avoid being surprised from time to time.