Single Idea 7536

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People]

Full Idea

When Wittgenstein was once asked what one can do to improve the world, he replied: 'Improve yourself; that is the only thing you can do to improve the world'.

Gist of Idea

If you hope to improve the world, all you can do is improve yourself

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (talk [1935]), quoted by Ray Monk - Bertrand Russell: Ghost of Madness Ch.1

Book Reference

Monk,Ray: 'Bertrand Russell: Ghost of Madness' [Vintage 2001], p.14


A Reaction

This is rather startlingly pessimistic about politics, and I don't really believe it. If anything has ever improved me, it has usually come from the world, and been created by other people.