Russell

Russell by Karsh

After: Fractal Enlightenment ... all I can add is this: RUSSELL

Bertrand Russell was a British philosopher, mathematician, historian and political activist, as well as a profound and original teacher.

His thoughts were a great influence on such modern champions of philosophy as Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins.

Ten alternative Commandments, after Bertrand Russell:

1. Do not be absolutely certain of anything

2. Don’t proceed while concealing evidence, the facts or the truth

3. Never try to discourage thinking, for you are sure to succeed

4. On meeting with opposition, overcome it by argument, not authority

5. Have no respect for the authority of others

6. Don’t use power to suppress opinions you deem dangerous

7. Do not fear to be eccentric with your opinions

8. Engage in intelligent dissent rather than in vacuous agreement

9. Be scrupulously truthful, even if the truth is inconvenient or hurtful

10. Don’t be envious of the happiness of those who live in a fool’s paradise