Avoid Foolish Opinions Russell’s Wisdom | Generated by AI
I’ll help you find information about this essay. Let me search for details about “如何避免愚蠢的见识” (How to Avoid Foolish Opinions).## English Introduction to “How to Avoid Foolish Opinions” (如何避免愚蠢的见识)
This is a classic essay by Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), the renowned British philosopher, mathematician, and logician. The essay is commonly included in Chinese college textbooks and is widely studied for its practical wisdom on critical thinking.
About the Essay
The essay examines how people can minimize errors in their thinking from a methodological perspective. Russell opens by stating that holding various foolish opinions is a common human failing, though avoiding this doesn’t require superhuman genius.
Main Causes of Foolish Opinions
Russell identifies two primary sources: dogmatism (being opinionated) and arrogance (self-importance). These lead to various biases including self-centeredness, gender-centrism, ethno-centrism, and human-centrism.
Three Methods to Avoid Foolish Opinions
The essay presents three approaches: First, maintain a scientific attitude—test observable claims through experience and demand sufficient evidence for unverifiable ones. Second, listen to opposing viewpoints and use “psychological imagination” to challenge your own positions. Third, recognize the complexity and uncertainty of the world—acknowledge that some questions are inherently unsolvable and others lack clear answers.
Notable Features
The essay uses second-person “you” alongside first-person “I,” creating a conversational dialogue style that feels intimate and accessible. Russell frequently employs conditional phrases like “if” and hedging words like “perhaps,” demonstrating his cautious and humble approach.
The essay remains highly relevant today as a guide to rational thinking and intellectual humility.