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Quotes from The Problem of China — Bertrand Russell

1872–1970

← All quotes by Bertrand Russell

4 quotes

In art [the Chinese] aim at being exquisite, and in life at being reasonable.

The Problem of China (1922)

The typical Westerner wishes to be the cause of as many changes as possible in his environment; the typical Chinaman wishes to enjoy as much and as delicately as possible.

The Problem of China (1922)

Nine-tenths of the activities of a modern Government are harmful; therefore the worse they are performed, the better.

The Problem of China (1922)

The Chinese are a great nation, incapable of permanent suppression by foreigners. They will not consent to adopt our vices in order to acquire military strength; but they are willing to adopt our virtues in order to advance in wisdom. I think they are the only people in the world who quite genuinely believe that wisdom is more precious than rubies. That is why the West regards them as uncivilized.

The Problem of China (1922)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Bertrand Russell (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.