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" Reason is a harmonising, controlling force rather than a creative one. "

Bertrand Russell

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" Conventional people are roused to fury by departure from convention, largely because they regard such departure as a criticism of themselves. "

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" The megalomaniac differs from the narcissist by the fact that he wishes to be powerful rather than charming, and seeks to be feared rather than loved. To this type belong many lunatics and most of the great men of history. "

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" The pleasure of work is open to anyone who can develop some specialised skill, provided that he can get satisfaction from the exercise of his skill without demanding universal applause. "

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" The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. "

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" No; we have been as usual asking the wrong question. It does not matter a hoot what the mockingbird on the chimney is singing. The real and proper question is: Why is it beautiful? "

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" Life is nothing but a competition to be the criminal rather than the victim. "

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" Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd. "

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" It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly. "

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" I remain convinced that obstinate addiction to ordinary language in our private thoughts is one of the main obstacles to progress in philosophy. "

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" Why is propaganda so much more successful when it stirs up hatred than when it tries to stir up friendly feeling? "

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" To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. "

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" Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. "

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" Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which are embodied in one maxim: The fortunate must not be restrained in the exercise of tyranny over the unfortunate. "

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" Next to enjoying ourselves, the next greatest pleasure consists in preventing others from enjoying themselves, or, more generally, in the acquisition of power. "

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" Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. "

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" Sin is geographical. "

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" In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted. "

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