When I was a teenager I tried to read Bertrand Russell and could barely understand a word. However, I recently found this list of principles, extracted from Bertrand Russell, The Autobiography of Bertrand Russell. They could be Epicurean:
– Do not feel absolutely certain of anything.
– Do not think it worthwhile to proceed by concealing evidence, for the evidence is sure to come to light.
– Never try to discourage thinking, for you are sure to succeed.
– When you meet with opposition, even if it should be from your spouse or your children, endeavor to overcome it by argument and not by authority, for a victory dependent upon authority is unreal and illusory.
– Have no respect for the authority of others, for there are always contrary authorities to be found.
– Do not use power to suppress opinions you think pernicious, for if you do the opinions will suppress you.
– Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.
– Find more pleasure in intelligent dissent than in passive agreement, for if you value intelligence as you should, the former implies a deeper agreement than the latter.
– Be scrupulously truthful, even if the truth is inconvenient, for it is more inconvenient when you try to conceal it.
– Do not feel envious of the happiness of those who live in a fool’s paradise, for only a fool will think that it is happiness.
Undoubtedly Russell was a great man. The only thing here I would question is ‘do not feel absolutely certain of everything.’ Over the past two years, I have gone through a period of dramatic change of almost all my beliefs. While this may not have happened had I not questioned things, I feel quite insecure now as I am no longer sure of anything. And while this may be for the best, I sometimes envy the certainty of others- even if that certainty is delusional. It would be nice to be certain of some things: what happens after we die being the obvious thing. In my experience, questioning everything has left me with almost nothing.
One of the marks of maturity, apparently, is to be able to accept uncertainty, ambiguity and paradox. Dualistic thinking does not fit any more. There are often feelings of discomfort and insecurity during the transition to this stage of life. That’s a good thing because it means one is getting there!
This is something I am learning now. It’s encouraging to know I’m not the only one, Owen .
Thank you Jane. Its very childish to want everything to be certain. But personally I believe life is more exciting and interesting because we don’t know everything. If we did, there would be no such thing as learning- which would be a pretty boring world.
I think it is courageous of you to say this, but don’t worry. You have been though a very disturbing period, but eventually some things will become more clear. For other things you will come to termswith the uncertainty. Give your powers of observation and your undoubted common sense free rein, and decide positively and deliberately to enjoy the life you have been given, and be true to yourself. You can decide that, just like some people decide to believe in organised religion.
I should have added that I believe that human beings are very capable of making an “executive decision”, and, having made it feel better because they have a purpose in life. Maybe, short term, that could be the practical business of getting a First at University in the short term. That experience in turn could guide you as to how you intend to lead the rest of your life. Naturally, I personally hope it will partly be to set an example of kindness, consideration, politeness, generosity and good humour to others – but that’s my own input!
Thank you so much, I’ll do my best!
Hi Owen,
Your angst is similar to that of the Existentialists.
It is not necessarily a happy place.