Diversity is essential in spite of the fact that it precludes universal acceptance of a single gospel. But to preach such a doctrine is difficult especially in arduous times. And perhaps it cannot be effective until some bitter lessons have been learned by tragic experience.
Source： Bertrand Russell: Reflections on My Eightieth Birthday (1952)
More info.：https://russell-j.com/beginner/0987_RoMEB-040.HTM
* a brief comment:
The idea that “the preservation of diversity is important” has become an almost universally shared principle in democratic societies. It was most widely embraced in the United States, which had long served as the leader of liberal democracy. Unfortunately, however, since Donald Trump came to power, it seems that more and more Americans have come to prioritize values such as “might makes right” or the belief that powerful nations and strong individuals have a legitimate right to claim a disproportionate share of the world’s wealth, rather than valuing diversity. What is your view on this?
Incidentally, I believe translating “a single gospel” as “a single teaching” or “a single doctrine” might lead to misunderstandings. In this context, “gospel” carries a broader meaning, closer to “creed” or “ideological belief”, than specifically religious connotations. That is why I translated it as “教義（信条）” (“doctrine [creed]”). Moreover, since Russell consistently believed in the power of reason and rational persuasion, while also harboring deep skepticism and pessimism toward human folly and irrationality, I tried to render those nuances in my Japanese translation.
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