Once Again Bertrand Russell For You!

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 12 April 2024 The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain and wiser people so full of doubts.........Bertrand Russell ----- Bertrand Russell ----- Bertrand Russell's quote perfectly captures a fundamental issue plaguing society - the problem of misguided certainty and doubt. In his assertion, Russell suggests that fools and fanatics are consistently convinced of their beliefs, without room for doubt or intellectual curiosity. On the other hand, wiser individuals, being more thoughtful and experienced, are often ridden with doubt and hesitation. This dichotomy highlights a critical aspect of human nature; those who are supremely confident in their convictions may inadvertently cause harm or perpetuate ignorance, while those who possess wisdom and intellectual humility may find themselves Sidelined or doubted. This quote serves as a reminder for us to embrace humility and critical thinking, and to challenge our own certainties for the betterment of our world. All fanatics are brim-full with an overwhelming sense of (negative) certitude. Fools and fanatics are always in the majority. By the way, way back in 1967, a film 'Aman' hit the marquee. Rajendra Kumar was the hero of the movie and his meeting with Bertrand Russell was a part of the film. You can see Rajendra Kumar conversing with Russell on the screen. After the shooting, Rajendra Kumar was having an informal chat with one of the greatest modern minds. He requested Russell to give his autograph with a quote. Russell wrote in Rajendra Kumar's notebook, " Avoid fools and fanatics because they're never amenable to reason and logic." Rajendra Kumar mentioned this in an interview to an English film magazine in 1972. Fools and fanatics are indeed not amenable to reason and logic. We see this happening all over the world. The fanatics of Hamas attacked Israel and equally fanatic Israel retaliated with a vengeance. The war is still going on. Foolish Putin invaded Ukraine and devastated a whole country. To be unwaveringly certain about an issue or ideology is not an admirable quality. Fanatics, esp. religious fanatics are often unshakably certain about their beliefs and they erroneously think that the tenets of their faith and belief system are inalterable. They're never ready to accept that they could ever be wrong or their beliefs may be questionable at times. Fanatics and fools are like frogs. You may have noticed, the moment a frog croaks, other frogs also start croaking in unison. It's a veritable chorus. When one fanatic propounds something foolish, other fanatics of his ilk will emulate him. That's also a very powerful reason for their obstinate certainty because they know that they'll soon have a herd of people coming to their rescue with similar silly thinking. Fallacy of the Majority works in favour of fools and fanatics. But a truly wise person is often alone. He knows that very few people will support him. So, he always hesitates and dithers, Utthe Na Ehtiyaat Mein Ahle-Khirad Ke Paaon/ Ahle-Junoon Toh Jhaad Kar Daaman Nikal Gaye (Being over-cautious, the wise ones hesitate to take a step/ But the uninhibited souls always make a clean sweep). But a fool has no such apprehension because fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Russell's profound wisdom becomes all the more relevant in these times of morbid fanaticism and extreme obstinacy when people are in no mood to listen to alternative viewpoints. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/bertrand-russell-fanatics/d/132122 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism