Return to 10 commandments for intellectual independence (idea)
[Bertrand Russell], a prominent 20th century [philosopher] (particularly for
his work in [analytic philosophy] and [logic]) made this highly interesting
list of [commandments] for [intellectual] [independence].
- Do not feel certain of [anything].
- Do not feel it's [worthwhile] to hold on to a [belief] by concealing
contrary [evidence], for that [evidence] will surely come to light.
- Never discourage [thinking] (in a [philosophical] sense.)
- Overcome opposition via [argument], not [force]. A victory based upon force
is [unreal] and [illusionary].
- Have no respect for the [authority] of others, for there will always be counter-authorities.
- Don't use [force] to [suppress] [opinions] which you think are dangerous,
for if you do they will surely [suppress] you.
- Don't fear being [different] and [eccentric], for every [mainstream] idea
was at one time [eccentric] and [different].
- Find [pleasure] in [intelligent], not [passive], [agreement].
- Be scrupulously [truthful], even when the truth is [inconvenient], for it
is always more [inconvenient] when you try to conceal truth.
- Don't feel [envious] of the [happiness] of those living in a [fool's
paradise], for only a [fool] would see it as true happiness.
Ah, the kind of things you find out in [philosophy] courses! [What I do with my philosophy degree|Perhaps a philosophy degree is worth something, after all!] | | Existing:
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