Today on the 2nd of February, I
remember the great English thinker and philosopher, Bertrand Russell. He died
on 2nd February 1970.
Russell was
born in a powerful political family. His grandfather, Lord John Russell served
as Prime Minister under Queen Victoria, not once but twice. Following the death
of his mother and father, Russell was brought up by his grandparents. Initially,
he was privately educated but later on he joined Trinity College Cambridge. He
graduated with degrees in mathematics and moral sciences.
Russell
would not follow the path tread by most of the so-called reasonable people. In fact
he chose to go to jail protesting against World War. This was a time when most
British people saw reason in fighting the war. He was sent to prison for the
second time when he protested against proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The above
photograph was taken when Russell made his speech accepting the Noble Prize in
Mathematics was awarded to him in 1950. Conspicuously, he said, “One should choose
desire when asked to choose between duty and desire”. Without desire he said
it’s not possible to perform the duty the way it should be performed.
Russell’s
ideas were his own and he would not make any compromises. He would rather
express himself clearly and fearlessly. Many people opposed him for his ideas
but there were many who followed them.
Given below is a photograph when he was
addressing his followers.
