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Bertrand Russell: On Avoiding Foolish Opinions

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Avoiding stupidity is easier than seeking brilliance. It doesn’t take a genius. Only a few simple ideas. Philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) offers some advice, which will not keep us from all error but will help us navigate away from obvious error. Via The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell: If the matter is one that can be settled by observation, make the observation yourself. Aristotle could have avoided the mistake of thinking that women have fewer teeth than men, by the simple device of asking Mrs. Aristotle to keep her mouth open while he counted. He did not do so because he thought he knew. Thinking that you know when in fact you don’t is a fatal mistake, to which we are all prone. I believe myself that hedgehogs eat black beetles, because I have been told that they do; but if I were writing a book on the habits of hedgehogs, I should not commit myself until I had seen one enjoying this unappetizing diet. Aristotle, however, was less cautious. Ancient and medieval authors k

Thinking | Reading Time: 4 minutes Bertrand Russell: On Avoiding Foolish Opinions Want to steer clear of foolishness? Bertrand Russell has some timeless advice that can help. While it won’t make you infallible, his practical tips can go a long way in identifying and avoiding common pitfalls in thinking. Let’s dive into Russell’s wisdom and explore how we can apply it to our own lives. On Avoiding Foolish Opinions Via The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell : If the matter is one that can be settled by observation, make the observation yourself. Aristotle could have avoided the

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