This small book, published in the early 1960s, is a collection of short excerpts from Bertrand Russell's published works. The excerpts, which range from small paragraphs to multi-page items, are organized around six major topics: Psychology; Religion; Sex and Marriage; Education; Politics; Ethics. As a young undergraduate, I encountered this work in the form of a used paperback. Having already developed an admiration for Bertrand Russell's work and his intellect, I read this work cover to cover, dutifully making the passages that I found most notable. In looking at them now, some decades later, I find pearls of wisdom intermixed with clever witticisms and wry observations, often tinged with sarcasm or irony. Some of the firm pronouncements have not stood the test of time (notably those about "sex and marriage"), but others of his observations are timeless. Perhaps this small collection might still served to attract the neophyte to the wisdom and wit of Bertrand Russell. Beyond the few lines of evaluation above, I refer the interested reader to the detailed, erudite review of my LT friend Waldstein: https://www.librarything.com/work/88618/reviews/64309999

I don't know if these essays are truly his best, but they are very good. Russell is a philosopher/mathematician who rejects the common idea that science and philosophy are totally separate. He advocates a scientific philosophy, and his appreciation for science shines through these essays, while not being a blind love affair. He is also able to see the problems that rise when you combine science with government or big business, and develop weaponry that can wipe out entire populations at a single blast. Still, Russell insists that philosophy should not ignore science, and that philosophical conclusions should not violate natural laws. Written in clear, lucid prose that can be understood by non-philosophers, he is a joy to read when you find yourself bogged down in the endless jargon of more modern philosophers. ( )