Bertrand Russell’s 10 Commandments for Living in a Healthy Democracy

Image by JF Horrabin, via Wikimedia Commons

bertrand russell He saw the history of civilization as shaped by an unfortunate oscillation between two opposing evils: tyranny and anarchy, each containing the seeds of the other. Russell argued that the best course to steer clear of either was: liberalism.

“The doctrine of liberalism is an attempt to escape this endless fluctuation,” Russell wrote in his book. history of western philosophy. “The essence of liberalism is an attempt to ensure a social order that is not based on irrational dogmas.” [a fea­ture of tyran­ny]ensure stability [which anar­chy under­mines] We will not impose any more restrictions than are necessary to maintain the community. ”

In 1951 Russell published the following book: article in new york times magazine“The Best Answer to Fanaticism – Liberalism” has the subtitle “That sober search for truth, seen as a danger in many places, remains humanity’s hope.” In the article, Russell writes: “Liberalism is more of a disposition than a creed. It certainly goes against the creed,” he continues.

However, a liberal attitude does not mean that one should oppose authority. Just saying that there should be freedom to challenge authority is something else entirely. The essence of liberal thinking in the intellectual realm is the belief that open-minded discussion is beneficial and that people should be free to ask whatever questions they want, as long as they can support their questions with solid arguments. . The opposing view, espoused by those who cannot be called liberals, is that the truth is already known and that questioning it is necessarily destructive.

Russell criticizes radicals who insist on change at all costs. follow the words of a philosopher john lockeRussell, who deeply influenced the framers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, wrote:

A teacher who advocates a doctrine that destroys existing authority does not, if he is a liberal, advocate the establishment of a new authority more domineering than the old. He advocates certain limits on the exercise of authority, and these limits apply not only when the authority supports beliefs with which he disagrees, but also when it supports beliefs with which he fully agrees. hope that it will be complied with. I personally believe in democracy, but I don’t like regimes that force people to believe in democracy.

Russell concludes: new york times He completed this work by offering “Ten New Chapters” containing advice on how to live life in the spirit of liberalism. “As a teacher, the Ten Commandments I would like to promulgate might be set out as follows,” he says.

1: Never be absolutely sure about anything.

2: Don’t think there’s value in suppressing evidence to create a belief. Because the evidence will always come to light.

3: Never let your thoughts get in the way, because you will definitely succeed.

4: When you encounter opposition, even if it comes from your husband or children, try to overcome it through argument rather than authority. Because victory that relies on authority is unrealistic and illusory.

5: Does not respect the authority of others. Because there is always an opposing authority.

6: Don’t use your power to suppress opinions you think are harmful. Because then that opinion will oppress you.

7: Don’t be afraid to have an outlandish opinion. Because every opinion that is currently accepted was once eccentric.

8: Take more joy in intelligent dissent than in passive agreement. If we naturally value intelligence, the former implies a deeper agreement than the latter.

9: Be careful to tell the truth, even if the truth is inconvenient. Because if you try to hide it, it will be even more inconvenient.

10. Do not be jealous of the happiness of those who live in fool’s paradise. Because only a fool would think that is happiness.

So, words of wisdom. Now, words to the wise.

Note: An earlier version of this post appeared on our site in March 2013.

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