The custom is the cause of man's feeling as to what is just, and not vice versa.
Source: Power, a new social analysis, 1938, by Bertrand Russell
More info.: ttps://russell-j.com/beginner/POWER06_270.HTM
* a brief comment:
After reading today's quote from Bertrand Russell -- "The custom is the cause of man's feeling as to what is just, and not vice versa." -- what concrete examples come to your mind?
When I asked ChatGPT to provide three specific examples, it listed: the justification of slavery, the status and roles of women, and the debate over capital punishment.
The justification of slavery has been seen in various countries throughout history. For example, in the American South, it wasn't that white people at the time "naturally" felt slavery was just, but rather that such a perception had been socially shaped through long-standing customs.
Once a custom takes root in society, it tends to be accepted as "normal," and few people are inclined to question it.
In short, our sense of morality and justice does not arise spontaneously from reason or truth, but is shaped through education by custom within society. Russell presents this statement as part of his broader insight that power even constructs morality and values themselves.
From this understanding, we must remain vigilant and critical, making sure not to uncritically accept the values and morals that the state or society imposes on us as a matter of course.
What do you think?
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