We all have a tendency to think that the world must conform to our prejudices. The opposite view involves some effort of thought, and most people would die sooner than think — in fact they do so.

More from Bertrand Russell

• I would never die for my beliefs, because I might be wrong.
• Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do.
• The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
• War does not determine who is right – only who is left.