 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
The Liberal creed, in practice, is one of live-and-let-live, of toleration and freedom so far as public order permits, of moderation and absence of fanaticism in political programs. Even democracy, when it becomes fanatical, as it did among Rousseau's disciples in the French Revolution, ceases to be Liberal; indeed, a fanatical belief in democracy makes democratic institutions impossible, as appeared in England under Cromwell and in France under Robespierre. The genuine liberal does not say "this is true"; he says, "I am inclined to think that under present circumstances this opinion is probably the best."
Source: Unpopular Essays, 1950,
More info.: https://russell-j.com/cool/UE_1950.pdf