If we were all given by magic the power to read each other’s thoughts, I suppose the first effect would be almost all friendships would be dissolved; the second effect, however, might be excellent, for a world without any friends would be felt to be intolerable, and we should learn to like each other without needing a veil of illusion to conceal from ourselves that we did not think each other absolutely perfect.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that if we could read each other's thoughts, many friendships might crumble, but it could lead to a more genuine understanding and acceptance of one another.
Bertrand Russell reflects on the nature of friendships and the power of illusion in human relationships. He proposes that if people could read each other's thoughts, the underlying flaws of individuals would be revealed, leading to the dissolution of many superficial friendships. However, this transparency could ultimately foster a more authentic connection, as individuals would learn to appreciate one another for who they truly are, without the façade of perfection.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the nature of friendships at a social gathering.
St. Paul introduced an entirely novel view of marriage, that it existed primarily to prevent the sin of fornication. It is just as if one were to maintain that the sole reason for baking bread is to prevent people from stealing cake.
Freedom comes only to those who no longer ask of life that it shall yield them any of those personal goods that are subject to the mutations of time.
Of these austerer virtues the love of truth is the chief, and in mathematics, more than elsewhere, the love of truth may find encouragement for waning faith. Every great study is not only an end in itself, but also a means of creating and sustaining a lofty habit of mind; and this purpose should be kept always in view throughout the teaching and learning of mathematics.
At all times, except when a monarch could enforce his will, war has been facilitated by the fact that vigorous males, confident of victory, enjoyed it, while their females admired them for their prowess.
Moreover, the attitude that one ought to believe such and such a proposition, independently of the question whether there is evidence in its favor, is an attitude which produces hostility to evidence and causes us to close our minds to every fact that does not suit our prejudices.
Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery.
The crest and crowning of all good, life's final star, is Brotherhood.
Time draweth wrinkles in a fair face, but addeth fresh colors to a fast friend, which neither heat, nor cold, nor misery, nor place, nor destiny, can alter or diminish
I need to be surrounded by people as passionate and as dedicated as I am.
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.
Never forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.
Now, Watson,” said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from its side lanterns. “You’ll come with me, won’t you?” “If I can be of use.” “Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one.
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