Bertrand RussellBertrand Russell, [Bertrand Arthur William Russell] (1872-1970) Philosopher, educator

Bertrand Russell Quote

“The practical objection to Puritanism, as to every form of fanaticism, is that it singles out certain evils as so much worse than others that they must be suppressed at all costs. The fanatic fails to recognise that the suppression of a real evil, if carried out too drastically, produces other evils which are even greater.”

Bertrand RussellBertrand Russell
~ Bertrand Russell

The Recrudescence of Puritanism, in Sceptical Essays, 1928
http://www.panarchy.org/russell/puritanism.html

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

The concept or principle is as accurate philosophically, as politically, as religiously and as most everywhere an application is enforced. By example: religiously, a Divine understanding was given through 10 words of wisdom. Man's forced interpretation and application became "thou shalt or shalt not" under threat and duress. Then, when religion and philosophy merged with body politic law application, demonic tyranny became despotic rationalization  i.e., compiled compliance, victimless crimes, government licensing, larceny with impunity (2nd plank of the communist manifesto, Social Security, police state confiscations, etc.), non-recognition of inalienable rights, liberty and the nobility of man, mere titles replace perfected allodium, funny money (debt) replaces capital, and centralized ownership and control over property, production and distribution becomes the norm. 

Denise, Durango

The original Puritans had made a convenant with God to keep His statutes and commandments 100% in settling the new land. For the first half century they lived in peace as neighbors with Native Americans and in fact became friends. The Natives taught them the ways of the new land and the original Puritans taught them new skills from the old country. The Puritans have been maligned for so long that no one cares about the true history...repeat the lies often enough they become "truth". When the second generation grew up they decided to make a "half covenant" with God. This was the down fall and led directly to starvation, disease, death and almost total failure. Even Ben Franklin who so many claim wasn't a believer in God made the statement that "The longer I live the more I see God intervening in the affairs of man." The book "The Light and the Glory" by Peter Marshall and David Emmanuel is an excellent history of this nation's beginnings. 

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