'After reading your recent book, Bertrand Russell Speaks His Mind, I am sorry to confess that I am still uncertain what your attitude toward life is. You have taken into consideration the uncertain nature of all things, yet you seem to live life with purpose. ...'
Dear Mr Barczak, (February 15, 1963)
'Purpose' is entirely an inner quality which no way depends upon metaphysical views about causality.
Passionate concern for some degree of understanding of the world outside oneself and compassionate interest in the circumstances of other human beings provide sufficient activity for many lifetimes. Whether this activity is seen to be trivial or considered important ia s temperamental accident. I think something may be said for both attitude, although I act upon the latter one.
Yours sincerely
Bertrand Russell
Source: Dear Bertrand Russell, 1969
More info.: https://russell-j.com/beginner/DBR4-05.HTM
* a brief comment:
Russell corresponded frequently with ordinary citizens, and in his later years he received over 100 letters a day. The book mentioned in the letter I am introducing today, Bertrand Russell Speaks His Mind, was published in the spring of 1959 and collects thirteen televised conversations broadcast by the BBC, in which Russell conversed with TV commentator Woodrow Wyatt.
According to the publisher’s note, during the recording of this program, Russell insisted that he was not an actor, and “no script was used, nor were there any retakes.” How many Japanese intellectuals could possibly carry out thirteen consecutive interviews in this way, without prior consultation or preparation, and entirely on the spot?
Incidentally, the thirteen topics were as follows:
01. What is Philosophy? 02. Religion 03. War and Pacifism 04. Communism and Capitalism 05. Taboo Morality 06. Power 07. What is Happiness? 08. Nationalism 0.9. Graet Britain 10. The Role of the Individual 11. Fanaticism and Tolerance 12. The Hydrogen Bomb 13. The Possible Future of Humanity
