Bertrand Russell
“Many people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so.”
“The essence of the liberal outlook lies not in what opinions are held, but in how they are held.”
“Love is wise, hatred is foolish.”
“No one gossips about other people’s secret virtues.”
“The demand for certainty is one which is natural to man, but is nevertheless an intellectual vice.”
“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.”
“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”
“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”
“To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.”
“Not to be absolutely certain is, I think, one of the essential things in rationality.”
“The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.”
“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.”