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Full Idea
During and immediately after the war [14-18], those who hated the Germans were happier than those who still regarded them as human beings, because they could feel that what was being done served a good purpose.
Gist of Idea
In wartime, happiness is hating the enemy, because it gives the war a purpose
Source
Bertrand Russell (An Outline of Philosophy [1927], Ch 22)
Book Ref
Russell,Bertrand: 'An Outline of Philosophy' [Routledge 1979], p.186
A Reaction
A striking remark. There are lots of situations where hatred seems to increase happiness. Russell is roughly defending consequentialism.
22891 | We could be aware of time if senses briefly vibrated, extending their experience of movement [Russell, by Bardon] |
21741 | 'You ought to do p' primarily has emotional content, expressing approval [Russell] |
21746 | Unlike hate, all desires can be satisfied by love [Russell] |
21747 | Goodness is a combination of love and knowledge [Russell] |
21743 | In wartime, happiness is hating the enemy, because it gives the war a purpose [Russell] |
21742 | Originally virtue was obedience, to gods, government, or custom [Russell] |
21745 | Act so as to produce harmonious rather than discordant desires [Russell] |
21744 | Legally curbing people's desires is inferior to improving their desires [Russell] |
21740 | I doubt whether ethics is part of philosophy [Russell] |