Bertrand Russell

  • People regularly question to what extent Bertrand Russell should be considered to be Epicurean. No doubt he has some positions (such as disdain for the influence of common religion) that are similar to Epicurus, but there are many profound differences, and I am not aware that Russell labeled himself an Epicurean in any respect. On that topic, here are some quotes about Epicurus from Russell's "History of Western Philosophy" which do not indicate that Russell held Epicurus in high regard:

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    Russell asserts, ridiculously slanting the evidence, that Epicurus and his friends lived mainly on bread and water:



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    More negative commentary:


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    Here's another which is deeply off base - the only advantage of mental pleasure over bodily pleasure is that we have more control over it?