I love this quote. I think It's why people will blindly follow one leader or one set of ideologies, despite overwhelming facts. Here is the quote:
"What a man believes upon grossly insufficient evidence is an index into his desires -- desires of which he himself is often unconscious. If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way."
BERTRAND RUSSELL
2006-11-08 16:18:36 · 9 answers · asked by Justin 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
yes, this has been puzzling me also. Why did germany believe in Hitler, Russia in Stalin and Lenin, etc? Why were they so dumb as to sheepishly follow these people and agree with them? Like pack animals? Is it perhaps a group instinct?
I dunno. all I know is that I refuse to do that and am not afraid to challenge what is given to me and to follow my heart.
2006-11-08 16:31:42 · answer #1 · answered by godshandmaiden 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bertrand Russell was a pretty smart guy - I'd say that's a very accurate assessment of human nature.
2006-11-09 00:26:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That passage was just about the exact way I think. It's kind of a catch 22 for me to say that, isn't it?
2006-11-09 00:23:36 · answer #3 · answered by grouchy bato 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excellent quote, cute picture and I gotta say this must explain the Republican animus. There's no other rational explanation for it.
2006-11-09 00:24:09 · answer #4 · answered by Babs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that is a very good quote. Russell is awesome! :)
2006-11-09 00:23:54 · answer #5 · answered by student_of_life 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nice.
2006-11-09 00:22:46 · answer #6 · answered by Mojo Seeker Of Knowlege 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is true for both hard core democrats and republicans.
2006-11-09 13:12:48 · answer #7 · answered by onlineseeker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is truth, nothing but the truth.
100% I agree.
2006-11-09 00:22:03 · answer #8 · answered by Rammohan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is often the case.
2006-11-09 00:23:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋