If we look to the full completion of goals and ambitions as the mark of success, Russell’s life was a heroic failure. But if achievement means living a life according to your passions and values, Russell’s life was a glorious success.
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He was sincere in his desire to defend his unfashionable political views and promote robust debate even—especially—of views that were considered taboo. The result was a certain notoriety but he insisted to me in 2009 that “I don’t feel bitter at all. I had a really interesting time being disliked.”
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I’ve written a short piece on Philippa Foot’s Natural Goodness (2001) for Granta magazine’s alternative end of the year books round up.
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DOUBLETHINK is alive and well today, but not primarily in the political arena. Where DOUBLETHINK has most thrived is in the domain of consumer capitalism. This is most evident in advertising and marketing, when words so often mean their exact opposite.
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Visiting Wittgenstein’s home evokes the philosopher’s serious, ascetic mind (no doubt he would disapprove its restoration
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