In 1930, renowned philosopher Bertrand Russell shared his personal “Ten Commandments” for virtuous living, offering timeless guidance on personal integrity and ethical conduct. Originally published in the magazine Everyman, these principles reflect Russell’s deep contemplation on human behavior and morality.
Here are Russell’s ten commandments:
- Do not lie to yourself.
- Do not lie to other people unless they are exercising tyranny.
- When you think it is your duty to inflict pain, scrutinize your reasons closely.
- When you desire power, examine yourself closely as to why you deserve it.
- When you have power, use it to build up people, not to constrict them.
- Do not attempt to live without vanity, since this is impossible, but choose the right audience from which to seek admiration.
- Do not think of yourself as a wholly self-contained unit.
- Be reliable.
- Be just.
- Be good-natured.
Russell elaborated on these commandments, emphasizing the importance of self-honesty, the ethical use of power, and the value of reliability and justice in personal conduct. He believed that virtues like punctuality, keeping promises, and refraining from treachery are essential for social obligations. His insights continue to resonate, offering a framework for ethical living in contemporary society.
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