In the best kind of affection a man hopes for a new happiness rather than for escape from an old unhappiness.
Meaning
From his chapter on affection, Russell says healthy love adds to a life instead of rescuing it from pain. Before leaning on a relationship, ask whether you are moving toward something or fleeing something, and address the old unhappiness on its own.
Source: The Conquest of Happiness (1930), Ch. 12
About the author
(1872–1970) was a British philosopher, logician, and social critic who made significant contributions to mathematics, logic, and philosophy. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for his writings advocating humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought. Russell’s work on logic helped shape modern analytic philosophy, while his essays addressed issues such as war, education, and ethics. He was also an outspoken activist, campaigning for peace and nuclear disarmament. Bertrand Russell’s intellectual influence spans multiple disciplines, and his commitment to reason and social justice continues to inspire thinkers worldwide.
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