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About this quote

What does it mean?
Russell confesses a love for expressing vile sentiments, possibly to avoid priggery after long effort.
In plain terms
He enjoys saying vile things to avoid pretentiousness.
What can you take from it?
Self‑critical honesty can counter pretension.

Where it applies

  • personal writing
  • debate clubs

Putting it to work

  • practice candid expression
  • reflect on motives

Questions to consider

  • When does candor become harmful?
  • How to balance honesty and respect?

Another view

Admitting vile sentiments may alienate audiences.

More from Bertrand Russell

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  3. Pure mathematics consists entirely of assertions to the effect that, if such and such a proposition is true of anything, then such and such another proposition…

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