Russell's views in this book were formed in early 1916, when he gave a series of lectures on "Principles of Social Reconstruction" in London, at a time when the toll of the First World War was becoming increasingly appalling, and Russell's pre-war political experience did not make him realize that his countrymen were so eager for war that they became more belligerent as the conflict intensified.
Therefore, in mid-1915, Russell comprehensively re-examined the theoretical basis of political science by analyzing the roots of social behavior, rational behavior and emotional behavior.
In 1916, a series of lectures was published under the title "Principles of Social Reconstruction". Its American version was renamed Why People Fight by its publisher.
Russell intended to propose a political philosophy based on the belief that impulses shape human life more than conscious goals.
He classified most impulses into two categories: possessive impulses and creative impulses. He believed that the best lives were mostly based on the creative impulse, while the worst lives were mostly based on the love of possession. The country, war, and property are the main political manifestations of the possessive impulse; education, marriage, and religion are the manifestations of the creative impulse. And liberating creativity should become a principle of political and economic reform.
Reader comments
A very good book, which provides an in-depth analysis of the roots of social, rational and emotional behavior. He believes that these behaviors originate from destructive and possessive impulses or constructive and creative impulses. This kind of root-cause analysis of social phenomena and individual behaviors is itself a manifestation of critical thinking. He is not satisfied with superficial phenomena, but tries to reveal the deep-seated reasons behind them, thereby reflecting on and criticizing existing social structures and individual behavior patterns. @Russell He is indeed one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century
"War is a continuation of politics, and politics should be peaceful."
"Peace is not an ideal, it is a necessity.'
"War is one of the most foolish acts of mankind. "
These famous quotes all reflect Russell's firm belief in peace and deep reflection on war. Through these remarks, he hopes to arouse people's pursuit of peace and their vigilance and reflection on war. These famous quotes also remind us that when facing conflicts and differences, we should choose peace and cooperation instead of falling into endless war.
A lot of the content is prophetic and I admire it very much, but some of the content is a bit obscure for me. [Crying]
August 27, 2024
When I was a kid, I read this book and it became soothing to me.
Some views are affected by the times and subjectivity, and are a bit arbitrary and one-sided. However, brought into the present, some contents in the book can still be enlightening and warning.
When you can't control your sense of superiority and despise everything, this book has the medicine for you. Instinct mind spirituality.
This masterpiece can not only understand war but also discuss life. The true desire to think is itself a passion. Natural instincts are governed by impulses to certain actions rather than desires. If the impulse is not fulfilled, it will cause pain and is not advisable. War arises from impulse.
Broaden your thinking and gain enlightenment.
I think we need to read books like this that can improve people's ideological awareness.
A very good book, which provides an in-depth analysis of the roots of social, rational and emotional behavior. He believes that these behaviors originate from destructive and possessive impulses or constructive and creative impulses. This kind of root-cause analysis of social phenomena and individual behaviors is itself a manifestation of critical thinking. He is not satisfied with superficial phenomena, but tries to reveal the deep-seated reasons behind them, thereby reflecting on and criticizing existing social structures and individual behavior patterns. @Russell He is indeed one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century "War is a continuation of politics, and politics should be peaceful." "Peace is not an ideal, it is a necessity.' "War is one of the most foolish acts of mankind. " These famous quotes all reflect Russell's firm belief in peace and deep reflection on war. Through these remarks, he hopes to arouse people's pursuit of peace and their vigilance and reflection on war. These famous quotes also remind us that when facing conflicts and differences, we should choose peace and cooperation instead of falling into endless war.
A lot of the content is prophetic and I admire it very much, but some of the content is a bit obscure for me. [Crying] August 27, 2024
When I was a kid, I read this book and it became soothing to me. Some views are affected by the times and subjectivity, and are a bit arbitrary and one-sided. However, brought into the present, some contents in the book can still be enlightening and warning.
When you can't control your sense of superiority and despise everything, this book has the medicine for you. Instinct mind spirituality.
This masterpiece can not only understand war but also discuss life. The true desire to think is itself a passion. Natural instincts are governed by impulses to certain actions rather than desires. If the impulse is not fulfilled, it will cause pain and is not advisable. War arises from impulse.
Broaden your thinking and gain enlightenment.
I think we need to read books like this that can improve people's ideological awareness.
Philosophy is great for everyone
I'm not worthy enough to judge you