Bertrand Russell

"The opposition of instinct and reason is mainly illusory. Instinct, intuition, or insight is what first leads to the beliefs which subsequent reason confirms or confutes; but the confirmation, where it is possible, consists, in the last analysis, of agreement with other beliefs no less instinctive. Reason is a harmonizing, controlling force rather than a creative one. Even in the most purely logical realms, it is insight that first arrives at what is new."

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Source: Bertrand Russell (1981). “Mysticism and Logic, and Other Essays”, p.17, Rowman & Littlefield

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Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell

Philosopher, Mathematician

Bertrand Russell was a British philosopher, logician, and social critic known for his work in analytical philosophy and advocacy for peace.

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