Russell's vitiating of his gift through lust
Feb 2, 2013 4:58:03 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2013 4:58:03 GMT -5
Bertrand Russell's Autobiography is padded with much correspondence, and in particular it takes the liberty of reprinting a letter from the then Bishop of Rochester, Bishop Chavasse. It takes Russell to task, as "the finest mind of his generation," for "vitiating his gift and example through lust."
No doubt Russell was unused to admonishment. Nevertheless one would like to think, but hardly dares to hope, that to-day bishops still see it as part of their duty to make, and privately convey, judgements of this nature.
Russell and his friend Ernest Jones the psychologist made merry sport with this letter. Nevertheless the Bishop's only error I think was to take Russell so seriously.
I have never considered him to be a philosopher at all, despite the fact that my aunts would always present me with books of his at birthdays. He gives no indication of ever having experienced that sense of mystery, that metaphysical shudder, which lies at the bottom of true enquiry.
No doubt Russell was unused to admonishment. Nevertheless one would like to think, but hardly dares to hope, that to-day bishops still see it as part of their duty to make, and privately convey, judgements of this nature.
Russell and his friend Ernest Jones the psychologist made merry sport with this letter. Nevertheless the Bishop's only error I think was to take Russell so seriously.
I have never considered him to be a philosopher at all, despite the fact that my aunts would always present me with books of his at birthdays. He gives no indication of ever having experienced that sense of mystery, that metaphysical shudder, which lies at the bottom of true enquiry.