“The happiness of a man is best promoted by the diminution of his desires. The happiness of a woman is best promoted by the diminution of her fears. In the majority of cases, this appears to be the formula which is necessary to conduct to happiness.”
—
Bertrand Russell
The Conquest of Happiness (1930), Liveright Publishing
Commentary
Russell's theory of happiness: it's not positive (pursuing desires) but negative (reducing desires and fears). This aligns with Stoicism and Buddhist philosophy. The person with few desires is more easily satisfied; the person with few fears is more at peace.
This prefigures later hedonic psychology and critiques of consumerism. Russell argues that trying to satisfy unlimited desires is futile; better to cultivate modest desires and equanimity. This applies psychologically and politically: societies that promote endless consumption (stimulating desire) create constant dissatisfaction.
Commentary
Russell's theory of happiness: it's not positive (pursuing desires) but negative (reducing desires and fears). This aligns with Stoicism and Buddhist philosophy. The person with few desires is more easily satisfied; the person with few fears is more at peace.
This prefigures later hedonic psychology and critiques of consumerism. Russell argues that trying to satisfy unlimited desires is futile; better to cultivate modest desires and equanimity. This applies psychologically and politically: societies that promote endless consumption (stimulating desire) create constant dissatisfaction.