Source: Bertrand Russell : Philosophy's Ulterior Motives, 1937
More info.: https://russell-j.com/beginner/PHIL-DIF.HTM
Human beings have two opposing desires: the desire to believe in others and the desire to know the truth. When it comes to matters of fact, our desire for knowledge can be satisfied through understanding. However, when the object of understanding is human beings (others), such understanding is often difficult to achieve.
Philosophers share the same desires, but for them, the desire to know the truth overwhelmingly outweighs the desire to believe, and a skeptical mindset is an essential characteristic they must possess. In contrast, religious figures often have a stronger desire to believe - even at the expense of some scientific understanding - so in many cases, philosophers and religious figures are like oil and water.
Bertrand Russell embodied both of these opposing desires. Alan Wood, known for his acclaimed philosophical biography of Russell, titled his work Bertrand Russell - A Passionate Sceptic. Skepticism and passion do not usually coexist, but in Russell's case they coexisted remarkably well. Failing to understand this can easily lead to misinterpretations or distortions of his words.
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