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Single Idea 21519

[filed under theme 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 5. Freedom of lifestyle ]

Full Idea

Security and liberty are only the negative conditions for good political institutions. When they have been won, we need also the positive condition: encouragement of creative energy.

Gist of Idea

We need security and liberty, and then encouragement of creativity

Source

Bertrand Russell (Political Ideals [1917], 1)

Book Ref

Russell,Bertrand: 'Political Ideals' [Spokesman 2007], p.18


A Reaction

This sounds like some sort of liberal socialism. The nearest connection I can see is to the 'capabilities approach' of Martha Nussbaum. How do you intervene to encourage creativity?


The 13 ideas from 'Political Ideals'

We need security and liberty, and then encouragement of creativity [Russell]
Individuals need creativity, reverence for others, and self-respect [Russell]
We would not want UK affairs to be settled by a world parliament [Russell]
Anarchy does not maximise liberty [Russell]
Theoretical and practical politics are both concerned with the best lives for individuals [Russell]
Democracy is inadequate without a great deal of devolution [Russell]
Men unite in pursuit of material things, and idealise greed as part of group loyalty [Russell]
That our heaven is a dull place reflects the misery of excessive work in life [Russell]
When the state is the only employer, there is no refuge from the prejudices of other people [Russell]
The right to own land gives a legal right to a permanent income [Russell]
Unfortunately ordinary voters can't detect insincerity [Russell]
Groups should be autonomous, with a neutral authority as arbitrator [Russell]
On every new question the majority is always wrong at first [Russell]