To be out of harmony with one's surroundings is of course a misfortune, but it is not always a misfortune to be avoided at all costs. Where the environment is stupid or prejudiced or cruel, it is a sign of merit to be out of harmony with it.

—Bertrand Russell

About Bertrand Russell

Portrait of Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell (18 May 1872 – 2 February 1970), was an English mathematician, philosopher, and social critic.

More quotations from Bertrand Russell

To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.

—Bertrand Russell

happiness want deprivation

A sense of duty is useful in work, but offensive in personal relations. People wish to be liked, not be endured with patient resignation.

—Bertrand Russell

patience relationships duty resignation

The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.

—Bertrand Russell

thinking problem solution challenge

When one admits that nothing is certain one must, I think, also admit that some things are much more nearly certain than others.

—Bertrand Russell

knowledge certainty doubt

Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons.

—Bertrand Russell

politics purpose reason patriotism

History

2 Jan 2015 Added