Bertrand Russell: Thought Free

Bertrand Russell Money Quote saying free thought is stopped at the point that it interferes with the ability to make a living. Bertrand Russell said:
 

 

“It is clear that thought is not free if the profession of certain opinions makes it impossible to earn a living” — Bertrand Russell

This quote from Bertrand Russell suggests that true freedom of thought cannot exist if expressing certain beliefs or opinions prevents someone from earning a living and supporting themselves financially.

The quote implies that censorship of ideas essentially occurs when voicing dissenting views might jeopardize one’s employment and livelihood. Russell seems to be arguing that as long as certain opinions could cost someone their job or career, independent and open thinking is not fully possible.

The overall message is that societal and economic conditions must allow people to safely and publicly share a diversity of perspectives without fear of professional retaliation or harm to their means of subsistence.

Bertrand Russell: Get Good, Spend Bad

Bertrand Russell Money Quote saying it should be obvious that both parts have a role in income and spending (outcome). Bertrand Russell said:
 

 

“It is held that getting money is good and spending money is bad. Seeing that they are two sides of one transaction, this is absurd; one might as well maintain that keys are good, but keyholes are bad” — Bertrand Russell

This quote from Bertrand Russell suggests that the common view of earning money as virtuous but spending it as wasteful is illogical and inconsistent. He points out that acquiring money and then using it to purchase something are two sides of the same financial exchange. Just as keys have no purpose without keyholes, earning wealth is meaningless without eventually spending it.

The quote implies that condemning spending while praising saving fails to recognize they are interdependent economic activities. Russell seems to be arguing that as long as spending is responsible and supports one’s needs and livelihood, it should not be seen as inherently bad or inferior to accumulating savings.

The overall message is that a balanced perspective is needed regarding earning versus using monetary resources.

Birthday: May 18, 1872 – Death: February 2, 1970

Bertrand Russell: Certain Small Income

Bertrand Russell Money Quote saying work should not be a requirement for a universal basic income (UBI) for everyone so food and shelter are available to all. Bertrand Russell said:
 

 

“A certain small income, sufficient for necessities, should be secured for all, whether they work or not” — Bertrand Russell

This Bertrand Russell quote suggests that he believed all people should be guaranteed a basic level of income sufficient to cover necessities like food and shelter, regardless of whether they are employed or able to work.

Russell seems to be advocating for a universal basic income or social welfare system that ensures no one lives in extreme poverty without access to life’s necessities.

The quote implies he thought it was a societal responsibility to make sure all citizens have their most basic needs met through some kind of income support system.

The “certain small income” reference indicates Russell felt this minimum income level did not need to be very high, just adequate for necessities, in order to fulfill the goal of preventing utter destitution for members of society.