"Contempt for happiness is usually contempt for other people's happiness, and is an elegant disguise for hatred of the human race"
- Bertrand Russell
About this Quote
This quote by Bertrand Russell speaks to the concept that when somebody reveals contempt for happiness, they are often expressing contempt for the joy of others. This is a method of camouflaging their true feelings, which is a hatred of the human race. Russell is suggesting that when someone reveals contempt for happiness, it is typically an indication of a much deeper, underlying hatred of mankind. This is a powerful statement that talks to the idea that we must be careful not to judge others too roughly, as we might be misinterpreting their true feelings. We must make every effort to be more understanding and compassionate towards one another, and acknowledge that our own feelings of contempt might be masking a deeper, more intricate feeling.
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
