The essence of the Liberal outlook lies not in what opinions are held, but in how they are held: instead of being held dogmatically, they are held tentatively, and with a consciousness that new evidence may at any moment lead to their abandonment.
In fairness, I know Conservatives who are open to change and Liberals who are not. I suppose that deals with Big "C" and Small "C" C/conservatives... .
2 comments:
Thanks for that quote.
wsam
Bertrand Russell was using the word "liberal" differently than the common North American usage.
Today liberal usually means "politically left leaning". Bertrand likely did not intend this meaning, but rather something like "open minded", as in "liberal education." The two meanings are quite different.
Post a Comment