WIST Quotations

Russell, Bertrand -- Education and the Social Order [Education and the Modern World], ch. 10 “Patriotism in Education” (1932)

Dave — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:46:33 +0000

Patriotism of the nationalistic type, so far from being taught in schools, ought to be mentioned as a form of mass-hysteria to which men are unfortunately liable, and against they need to be fortified both intellectually and morally. Nationalism is undoubtedly the most dangerous vice of our time.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
Education and the Social Order [Education and the Modern World], ch. 10 “Patriotism in Education” (1932)
(Source)

Mackay, Charles -- Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Preface (1841)

Dave — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:08:30 +0000

Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.

Charles Mackay (1814–1889) Scottish poet, journalist, song writer
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Preface (1841)
(Source)

Mackay, Charles -- Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, “The Crusades” (1841)

Dave — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:18:52 +0000

Every age has its peculiar folly; some scheme, project, or phantasy into which it plunges, spurred on either by the love of gain, the necessity of excitement, or the mere force of imitation. Failing in these, it has some madness, to which it is goaded by political or religious causes, or both combined.

Charles Mackay (1814–1889) Scottish poet, journalist, song writer
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, “The Crusades” (1841)
(Source)