Bertrand Russell

The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper

The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.

Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly.

Drunkeness is temporary suicide: the happiness that it brings is merely negative, a momentary cessation of unhappiness.

It is a waste of energy to be angry with a man who behaves badly, just as it is to be angry with a car that won't go.

Although this may seem a paradox, all exact science is dominated by the idea of approximation.

One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny.

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.

The fundamental cause of trouble in the world today is that the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.