I consider the best life that which is most built on creative impulses, and the worst that which is most inspired by love of possession.
Source: Preface to Principles of Social Construction, 1916
More info.: https://russell-j.com/cool/10T-PREF.HTM
* a brief comment:
Bertrand Russell states the following in On Education, Especially in Early Childhood (1926):
"Destruction being easier, a child's games usually begin with it, and only pass on to construction at a later stage."
When we observe President Trump's recent words and actions, Russell's remark immediately comes to mind. Like a child who has not matured emotionally, Trump seems eager to tear down systems and institutions, yet shows little inclination toward constructive efforts that could earn the trust and agreement of the broader public.
If calling him a "child" is deemed inappropriate, perhaps it would be more fitting to describe him as a "tyrant", someone unable to suppress his compulsion to flaunt power. That is, he appears driven by a desire to display the authority of the presidency to the world, regardless of how much he may be disliked, and seems incapable of controlling this impulse.
The quote featured in Today's Words from Russell (see attached image) is one that has been cited and shared by people around the world. In Japan, too, it has often been quoted since the Taisho era, for example, by Akiko Yosano.
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