 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
It is a curious fact that nine people out of ten become happier when faced with some small misfortune.... there are occasions on which a common emotion actuates a whole crowd. When this happens, even if the emotion in itself is not pleasant, the fact that it is shared gives a peculiar happiness not obtainable in any other way. If we could all be habitually in a state of collective emotion, we should all be always happy, always co-operative and always free from boredom. Perhaps the government psychologists of the future will obtain this result.
Source: Why we enjoy mishaps, by Bertrand Russell
Reprinted in: Mortals and Others, v.1, 1975 More info.: https://russell-j.com/MISHAPS.HTM