""The supreme principle, both in politics and in private life, should be to promote all that is creative, and so to diminish the impulses and desires that center round possession.""
This book, originally entitled "Why Men Fight, " is generally seen as the fullest expression of Bertrand Russell's political philosophy. Russell argues that after the experience of the Great War the individualistic approach of traditional liberalism had reached its limits. Political theory must be based on the motivated forces of creativity and impulse rather than on competition. The ideas expressed in "Principles of Social Reconstruction" have greatly contributed to Russell's fame as a social critic and anti-war activist. The introduction by Richard Rempel locates them in the context of Russell's other writings and show that neither his ideas nor his language have lost their force and topicality over the years.

This book, originally entitled Why Men Fight, is generally seen as the fullest expression of Russell's political philosophy. Russell argues that after the experience of the Great War the individualistic approach of traditional liberalism has reached its limits. Political theory must be based on the motivated forces of creativity and impulse rather than on competition. Both are best fostered in the family, in education, and in religion - each of which Russell proceeds to discuss. The ideas expressed in Principles of Social Reconstruction have greatly contributed to Russell's fame as a social critic and anti-war activist. The new introduction by Richard Rempel locates them in the context of Russell's other writings and show that neither his ideas nor his language have lost their force and topicality over the years.

Series Information:
Collected Papers of Bertrand Russell

During the First World War, Bertrand Russell was political commentator for The Tribunal, the official weekly publication of the No-Conscription Fellowship, of which Russell was Action Chairman.
This volume contains many short papers from that period, which reflect Russell's immediate reponses to developments in the conflict. These documents bear witness to Russell's growing commitment to pacifism, and reveal the development of the patterns of political argument, rhetoric and activism which were to characterise his work throughout his life.

Bertrand Russell's shorter writings against British participation in the First World War from its outbreak until the formation of Lloyd George's coalition. It includes the fullest documentation yet of the continuing government attempts to stifle Russell, then regarded as Britain's most dangerous pacifist.

Series Information:
Collected Papers of Bertrand Russell