"The degree of one's emotions varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts"
- Bertrand Russell
About this Quote
This quote by Bertrand Russell suggests that the more understanding one has of the truths, the less intense their feelings will be. This is due to the fact that knowledge of the realities can offer a more objective perspective on a circumstance, permitting one to make more rational choices and form more balanced opinions. On the other hand, an absence of knowledge can lead to an over-reliance on emotions, which can lead to unreasonable decisions and severe opinions. For that reason, the more knowledge one has of the truths, the more likely they are to be able to control their feelings and make more educated choices. This quote is a pointer that understanding is power, and that it can be used to assist us make much better choices and form more balanced opinions.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"