A brass balance holds a dark pebble and a pale feather against dusky purple.

Original artwork, not a still

Bertrand Russell

I would never die for my beliefs, because I might be wrong.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker refuses to treat any belief as worth dying for, because certainty is never guaranteed and death cannot be undone. It is a plea for humility: holding opinions firmly is one thing, but staking your life on them ignores the possibility that you are mistaken.

Context reviewed

Share this quote