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A review by hamroach
The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell
4.0
"To be happy in this world, especially when youth is past, it is necessary to feel oneself not merely an isolated individual whose day will soon be over, but part of the stream of life flowing on from the first germ to the remote and unknown future".
Russell's advice throughout the book makes lots of sense and aligns with ways of thinking about the world that I have found to be beneficial. His views on gender relations are dated, but the rest of his words ring true even 86 years after publication.
I also enjoy and agree strongly with his views on individuality and dissent:
"I think that in general, apart from expert opinion, there is too much respect paid to the opinions of others, both in great matters and in small ones. One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways".
Russell's advice throughout the book makes lots of sense and aligns with ways of thinking about the world that I have found to be beneficial. His views on gender relations are dated, but the rest of his words ring true even 86 years after publication.
I also enjoy and agree strongly with his views on individuality and dissent:
"I think that in general, apart from expert opinion, there is too much respect paid to the opinions of others, both in great matters and in small ones. One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways".