The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell (Routledge Classics)

A collection of samples of the extensive writings of Nobel Laureate Lord Bertrand Russell.Wherein we see Lord Russell lay waste to his adversaries in Philosophy, Politics, Science and almost every other discipline that might be called scholarly much the same way as Alexander The Great lay waste to foreign armies. Effortlessly. Such were the destructive powers of Russell's argumentsand such were the destructive powers of Alexander's forces.Both conquerors thereby establishing their respective "dominions".The first his dominion in having superior knowledge, superior powers of reasoning and therefore being able to create political pressure in a century of great political and social instability. The later complete rule over humanity. But despite the apparent difference there seems to me to be a parallel. That is what makes his writings exciting.He is able to vanquish opposing arguments of course using his superior logic which is based on mathematics and his insistence on dispensing with what he considers to be the opposing side's meaningless terms.(And if he doesn't like what they have to say he simply omits them. See "A History of Western Philosophy" where he categorically omits Kierkegaard and others )As well Russell will use the sciences such as physics as guiding principles for his Philosophical speculations. For example making references to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. His knowledge is encyclopedic.His particularly favorite quarry are politicians and philosophers who it seems to him are arbitrarily "fabricating the truth" or on the other hand "running" from it. A prime example is Dewey. He goes after Dewey like a cranky female cheetah after an impala on a hot day in Kenya!It is interesting to note that many of his predictions made in his "open letters" to leaders of governments written and published in the 1950's actually came to fruition in the 1960's. As a political force for social change he was definitely in his "prime" during the Cold War and greatly feared. Few dared to take him on in a one-to-one debate. They would have had too much to lose.Southern Jameson Westp.s. historians of debate take note: was there ever a debate between Russell and William F. Buckley? that would have been one to savor.

To read Bertrand Russell is akin to being with a good friend.

Russell is a very engaging essayist on topics of philosophy, politics, and culture. With hindsight, he was obviously not right about everything, but he is insightful and fun to read.

A hefty and comprehensive anthology of Russell’s essays. Includes some true gems and classics and others that (at least to me) are a bit more obscure. Best read, reflected upon, and absorbed in small doses.

as is, everything is good except the only bug that the print is in too tiny fonts, should've bought the kindle version..

You NEED to read the Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy first. Then, you might make it through the first half of this Tomb. He is not often a very good writer. His distain for religion is very amusing but his treatment of math is often confusing in these essays that begin with axioms and leave you wondering where he is trying to get to half way through the essay. Often, the essays confuse and lack sufficient definition to be of use.

It's not often that you find someone (writer, philosopher, politician, etc) with whom you agree on almost every point. For me Russell is one of those people. For someone who delved into pretty much every area of study available to him and to then be able to write coherently and succinctly about it is really amazing. This was one smart fella.About the book itself: it is pretty big and there's a lot of material here. It's easy to read, too. Definitely a good start.

Whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Russell's philosophy, he certainly presents his thoughts eloquently and intelligently. I reluctantly admit that some of it is over my head. I had to skip the mathematics chapter entirely. But the rest I find a good stretching exercise for my brain.It is startling to see how so many of his ideas apply to today's times, and realize they were written almost a hundred years ago.

A big book in more ways than one.What distinguishes Russell is his ability to put great wisdom into very clear writing that is fairly easy to understand.His style is unpretentious and goes right to the heart of the matter, combining a powerful intellect and a mastery of the English language.He comes across as a humanist and liberal in favour of the ordinary man and woman and against religious dogma and the authoritarian state.And aside from some academic philosophical subjects he deals with practical issues that are highly relevant to the times we live in today.Every time I take this off the bookshelf it inspires and impresses me.

Big, massive and heavy book And I would find it a heavy read! But it was bought for someone who wanted to study BR and they were very impressed - so has to be a good buy!

A large tome by any standards, but what treasures lie within!! I first became interested in Bertrand Russell after hearing his name in a Peter Cook and Dudley Moore sketch. This book is logically laid out ( no pun intended) and can be read from cover to cover or dipped into, to reveal a fascinating mind. Russell's writing is clear, not condescending and always interesting. This collection of some of his writings is a marvellous introduction, I cannot recommend it highly enough. They really don't make them like him any more!!

An excellent introduction to the writings of Bertrand Russell in a selection of his writings on various matters such as linguistics, politics, history, education, science, religion, ethics, logic and mathematics. The Routledge paperback edition is sturdy, with clear smart font and white paper. Very good value of money whatever you think of Russell's philosophy.

Worth the time if so inclined.