#memory
Bertrand Russell
18 May is the birth anniversary of Lord Bertrand Russell
(1872- 1970).
Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell, OM, FRS, was born at Ravenscroft, United Kingdom.
Russell was one of the leading philosophers and mathematicians of the twentieth century. Politically active and habitually outspoken, his ethical principles twice lead to imprisonment.
In 1950, Russell was awarded the Nobel Prize – not for his early mathematical philosophy, but for literature
– “in recognition for his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought”. His popular works such as A History of Western Philosophy (1945) and Why I Am Not a Christian (1927) remain still influential to this day.
Russell’s great success can be partly explained that he wrote and spoke to be understood. Russell’s clarity of expression reflects the clarity of his thought. Unlike many philosophers, Russell is well-known for his lucid and elegant prose style. In his philosophical works, there is little abstract jargon nor do we find many flowery expressions.
Russell valued getting to the point. At the age of 89, Russell was imprisoned for his role in a peace and nuclear disarmament demonstration. He was offered leniency by the magistrate on the condition that he promised to maintain ‘good behaviour’.
Russell’s simple yet forceful response was: “No, I won’t.”
Bertrand Russell died from influenza at his home on the night of 2 February 1970 at the age of 97.
His ashes were scattered over the Welsh hills in unknown locations.
In accordance with his will, there was no religious ceremony but one minute’s silence.
………….
” In this world, which is getting more and more interconnected, we have to learn to tolerate each other, we have to learn to put up with the fact that some people say things that we don’t like. We can only live together in that way. And if we are to live together and not die together, we should learn the kind of tolerance which is absolutely vital to the continuation of human life on this planet.“
– Bertrand Russell.
