"Religions that teach brotherly love have been used as an excuse for persecution, and our profoundest scientific insight is made into a means of mass destruction"

This quote by Bertrand Russell speaks with the hypocrisy of humanity. He is explaining that although religions preach brotherly love, they have actually been used as an excuse for persecution. Similarly, science, which is indicated to be a source of knowledge and understanding, has actually been utilized to produce weapons of mass damage. Russell is highlighting the irony of how humanity has actually taken something meant for great and twisted it for evil. He is also cautioning us of the risks of utilizing our understanding and power for destructive purposes. This quote functions as a pointer that we must use our understanding and power properly and for the advantage of all.