It is sometimes maintained that racial mixture is biologically undesirable. There is no evidence whatever for this view. Nor is there, apparently, any reason to think that Negroes are congenitally less intelligent than white people, but as to that it will be difficult to judge until they have equal scope and equally good social conditions.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell rejects the claim that racial mixing is undesirable and notes no evidence that Black people are less intelligent, urging equal conditions for judgment.
- In plain terms
- There’s no proof that mixed races are bad or that Black people are less smart; fairness requires equal opportunity.
- What can you take from it?
- Ensure equal social conditions before judging ability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What concrete steps can create equal social conditions?
- How to address lingering biases despite equal opportunity?
Another view
The statement assumes future equality will reveal true abilities, which may be contested.
More from Bertrand Russell
Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.
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